For those writing in the Gangster or Crime Fiction genre, I've got something just for you this week! We're addressing the Mafia vs. Mob confusion so we can get it right once and for all and show these readers we know what we're talking about! And before you even ask, no, baby, they are not the same thing. Why do you think they're this week's Gem? Hahaha!
The Mafia
The name "The Mafia" refers to a very specific organized crime group. This group originated in Sicily, Italy, and is characterized by a strict hierarchical structure, the Omertà. The Omertà consists of assigned leadership roles, such as Boss, Underboss, and Consigliere, and emphasizes loyalty and secrecy. When you think of The Mafia, think of Goodfellas and The Godfather. In Goodfellas, Henry's narration mentions that to become a "made man," The Mafia had to be able to trace a man's Italian heritage back to Sicily. This refers to The Mafia's strict Italian heritage rule that placed emphasis on the importance of being fully Italian to be considered a "goodfella." The Mafia is a very distinct group because of its cultural and familial ties which define it and are the cornerstone upon which the group was built.
The Mob
The term "The Mob" is more generic. There are numerous "mobs," most easily identified by their ethnic origins. The Irish, Russian, and Italian-American mobs tend to be the most commonly known of these groups. Mobs tend to be less structured than The Mafia. The structure that does exist is more adaptable and can change rapidly through force or assassination. When you think of The Mob, think of The Equalizer-based around the Russian Mob, and The Departed-based around the Irish Mob.
Both The Mafia and The Mob engage in illegal activities, but The Mafia is one specific group that is more structured and hierarchical, while "The Mob" is a more general, broader term that refers to an ethnic-based crime syndicate with less structure and organization.
So how are we feeling? Did that make sense? Did I break it down enough for you? Drop your questions in the comments, and I'll be sure to explain further in any way I can.
Sidenote: there were moments in my research where even the search engine got it wrong. The two terms are used interchangeably so frequently that unless you know the differences and what the terms actually refer to, it would be difficult to determine which one is being referenced. That's neither here nor there, though, 'cause ya girl got ya!