Editing Mafia (section)

===Membership===
Membership in ''Cosa Nostra'' is open only to Sicilian men. A candidate cannot be a relative or have any close links with a lawman, such as a policeman or a judge. There is no strict age limit: boys as young as sixteen have been initiated.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gambetta._p._67_105-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Gambetta._p._67-105 [105]]</sup> A prospective mafioso is carefully tested for obedience, discretion, courage, ruthlessness and skill at espionage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-DickieCosaNostra_12-6">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-DickieCosaNostra-12 [12]]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gambetta._p._67_105-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Gambetta._p._67-105 [105]]</sup> He is almost always required to commit murder as his ultimate trial,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-DickieCosaNostra_12-7">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-DickieCosaNostra-12 [12]]</sup> even if he doesn't plan to be a career assassin. The act of murder is to prove his sincerity (i.e. he is not an undercover policeman) and to bind him into silence (i.e. he cannot break [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#Omert.C3.A0 ''omertà''] without facing murder charges himself).

To be part of the Mafia is highly desirable for many street criminals. For one, mafiosi receive a great deal of respect, for everyone knows that to offend a mafioso is to risk lethal retribution from him or his colleagues. Mafiosi have an easier time getting away with crimes, negotiating deals, and demanding privileges. A full member also gains more freedom to participate in certain rackets which the Mafia controls (particularly protection racketeering).

Traditionally, only men can become mafiosi, though in recent times there have been reports of women assuming the responsibilities of imprisoned mafiosi relatives.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-106 [106]]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-107">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-107 [107]]</sup>

Although clans are also called "families", their members are usually not related by blood. The Mafia actually has rules designed to prevent nepotism. Membership and rank in the Mafia are not hereditary. Most new bosses are not related to their predecessor. The Commission forbids relatives from holding positions in inter-clan bodies at the same time.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-108">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-108 [108]]</sup> That said, mafiosi frequently bring their sons into the trade. They have an easier time entering, because the son bears his father's seal of approval and is familiar with the traditions and requirements of ''Cosa Nostra''.

A mafioso's legitimate occupation, if he has any, generally does not affect his prestige within ''Cosa Nostra''.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GambettaTheSicilianMafia_109-0">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-GambettaTheSicilianMafia-109 [109]]</sup> Historically, most mafiosi were employed in menial jobs, and many bosses did not work at all.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GambettaTheSicilianMafia_109-1">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-GambettaTheSicilianMafia-109 [109]]</sup> Professionals such as lawyers and doctors do exist within the organization, and are employed according to whatever useful skills they have.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gambetta._p._67_105-2">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Mafia#cite_note-Gambetta._p._67-105 [105]]</sup>