The Social Organization of Organized Crime in Chicago

Abstract

Based upon the analysis of interview data, this research argues that neither the bureaucratic nor the patrimonial models of complex organizations adequately explains traditional organized crime as found in Chicago today. This paper suggests that the open systems perspective, and in particular the contingency model, better explains the true nature of organized crime. In addition, this research describes the organizational structure of the Outfit, the traditional organized crime group in Chicago, and argues that positions exist within the Outfit for made guys, Outfit Guys, and connected members. In addition, this research argues that the Outfit has an organized public made up of gamblers, thieves, and wanna-be's who provide support for the activities of the organization and recruits for the Outfit itself.