Cultural warfare and trust: Fighting the Mafia in Palermo (Perspectives on Democratic Practice)

__Cultural Warfare and Trust: Fighting the Mafia in Palermo__ concentrates on a central issue in research on democratic processes: the development of generalized trust. The existence of generalized trust and confidence in a society is decisive for economic development and an effective democracy. The book examines political efforts to combat Palermo's mafia-controlled heritage and to turn a tradition of non-cooperation and distrust into cooperation and trust. In particular, it focuses on the school program launched in Palermo during the mid-1990s, which was designed to break the mafia's territorial and mental control. Fusing theories from the discourses of social capital and civic education, the author presents and analyses new quantitative and qualitative research carried out in seven public schools in Palermo. Cultural warfare and trust: fighting the Mafia in Palermo concentrates on a central issue in research on democratic processes: the development of generalised trust. The existence of generalised trust and confidence in a society is decisive for economic development and an effective democracy. Is it possible to fight persistent values of distrust and non-cooperation? Is it possible to support the development of generalised trust through public action and education? The book addresses these questions by examining political efforts to combat Palermo's Mafia-controlled heritage and to turn a tradition of non-cooperation and distrust into cooperation and trust. In particular, it focuses on the school program launched in Palermo during the mid-1990s, which was designed to break the Mafia's territorial and mental control. Combining theories on social capital and civic education, the author presents and analyses new quantitative and qualitative research carried out in seven public schools in Palermo. This book will be valuable to students, academics and researchers interested in social capital and trust, Italian politics, civic education, organised crime, local government and democratic practice. 'cultural Warfare And Trust' Concentrates On A Central Issue In Research On Democratic Processes, The Development Of Generalised Trust. The Existence Of Generalised Trust And Confidence In A Society Is Decisive For Economic Development And An Effective Democracy. Carina Gunnarson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [230]-236) And Index. A study of the anti-Mafia or legality programme in schools in Palermo. This book presents data and analysis based on quantitative and qualitative research carried out by the author. It concerns an important, central issue in research on democratic processes - the development of generalised trust and co-operation amongst citizens