a strategic function in Mafia relations, linking together two clans through marriage and objectively reinforcing clan strength. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, women were crucial in the transport and trafficking of drugs across the Atlantic, which meant large sums of money for the Mafia. Women of the Mafia play a minimal role in the everyday life and dealings of the Mafia organization.AnalysisIt is obvious that there is more female participation in the Red Brigades organization than in the Sicilian Mafia. Women in the Mafia had no role except the wife, mother, or daughter of members and the occasional illegal assistance. However, in the Red Brigades, women made a break through with their influence and growing power.Though the Red Brigades was a male dominated organization, the feminist movement of the late 1960s introduced a strong female population. At a time when emotions were running high for women’s rights, it is conceivable that women would be pushed to the extreme. Violent organizations meant power and triumph against the male-dominated capitalist and possibly fascist society. Women were looking for a voice, rights they could claim as their own. This and more is what they saw in a great and powerful violent organization. The power to make their voices heard and to change society, to have positive effects for women. It was a struggle, one they could win, with the help of the organization’s power and force. I believe this is what fueled these Italian women to engage in such non-feminine actions.Women of the Cosa Nostra had completely different motives, their involvement is organizational violence. These women were associated with the Mafia through their male relations; father, husbands, and sons. Some women were born into the mafia, reaping all the benefits, riches and fame, without any of the effort or labor. Others married into the organization, starting a family centered on the Mafia lifestyle. ...
