A motivational analysis of perceived legitimacy of mafias [Author Accepted Manuscript]

The present research aimed to investigate a motivational antecedent of people’s perceived legitimacy of mafias and attitudinal tolerance toward mafia-related collusion. Based on the quest for significance theory, we hypothesized that the need to matter, to count, and to “be someone” predicts perceived legitimacy of mafias, understood as an internalized attitudinal and value-based orientation toward mafia authority, through two parallel mediating mechanisms: (a) a stronger endorsement of self-enhancement values (i.e., influence, wealth, authority, power), and (b) a stronger endorsement of a masculine honor ideology. Study 1 assessed attitudinal tolerance toward mafia-related collusion as an indirect indicator of legitimacy, whereas Study 2 employed a more direct measure of perceived mafia legitimacy. Results of two cross-sectional surveys (Total N = 983) supported the hypothesis. Overall, this research suggests a motivational dynamic underlying people’s perceived legitimacy of and attitudinal tolerance toward mafias as a potential route to achieve personal significance.