That is how we do it around here: Levels of identification, masculine honor, and social activism against organized crime in the south of Italy

Abstract

Masculine honor is an important cultural code in the south of Italy. Italian criminal organizations (COs) manipulate and exploit this code to maintain legitimacy among local populations and exert social control in the territory where they operate. This research tested the hypothesis that different levels of identification-the region and the nation-would have opposite associations with male honor-related values and, indirectly, with intentions to oppose COs collectively. Results from a sample of young southern Italians (N = 170) showed that regional identification positively predicted endorsement of male honor-related values, which in turn were associated with lowered intentions to oppose COs. In contrast, national identification negatively predicted male honor-related values, associated in turn with stronger intentions to oppose COs. These results also held when perceived risk and social dominance orientation were taken into account. Directions for future research are discussed.

Dual routes from social identity to collective opposition to criminal organisations: Intracultural appropriation theory and the roles of honour codes and social change beliefs

“…This in turn exerted a negative indirect effect of regional identity on intentions to oppose COs collectively. Thus, in line with Travaglino, et al (2015) and ICAT we also predict a negative indirect effect of regional identity via masculine honour ideology on collective action intentions (H3b). These two contrasting routes from identity to collective action intentions are tested in the present study.…”

“…Abrams and Grant (2012) hypothesised and found that the more strongly people identified with their groups the more likely they were to advocate the pursuit of radical change to advance the group's interest. In apparent contrast, Travaglino et al (2015) demonstrated that individuals' identification with a Southern…”

“…Southern Italy) is positively with the endorsement of such ideology, indicating its importance for Southern Italian social identity (Travaglino et al, 2015).…”

“…This linkage was mediated by more positive attitudes towards COs, lower endorsement of the goal of a mobilisation against COs (Klandermans, 1984), and higher perceived threat about interacting with the police. In addition, Travaglino et al (2015) showed that participants' identification with their region (Campania in Southern Italy) positively predicted their endorsement of masculine ideology, suggesting that those values are intertwined with regional identity.…”

“…Based on ICAT, attitudes towards COs was located as a mediator of the relationship between HIM and COs . Regional Identification was included as a predictor of HIM (Travaglino, et al, 2015 The two mediators were allowed to covary as recommended by Preacher and Hayes (2008), in order to gauge systematic co-variation between these variables not explained by the predictor.…”