Why temporality matters in collective resistance: Shifting civic norms in a post-traumatic society

What is the role of civic norms for social change after traumatic events, and how do those norms shape collective resistance? The present study seeks to address this urgent query by examining Sicilians' culture war against the mafia. Based on rigorous ethnographic research over a period of 7 years (2016–2023), an extensive database was created, which included 77 commemorative events, a guided city tour, 54 interviews with antimafia activists, and 89 audio–visual recordings totaling 1768 min. I introduce two analytical con - cepts, “informative rituals” and “transmissive rituals,” that offer a new perspective on how activists leverage the civic norms of social bonds to realize their objectives. I argue that shifting civic norms in a post-traumatic society is not only driven by collective resistance but also requires significant time in the presence of an oppressive force. This study proposes that, for a socially traumatized community attempting to shift civic norms, prolonged and strenuous endeavors are required in order to thoroughly permeate those norms among the general public. The findings demonstrate that the consolidation of civic norms within post-traumatic societies is highly contingent upon its temporal context and sustainability, which explains why culture wars frequently necessitate a long-term communal investment.

the mafia's influence in Sicily.Since Italy's unification, Sicilians have united in opposition to the mafia's oppressive norms, persisting through the decades (Cayli, 2014(Cayli, , 2017;;Lupo, 2004;Pezzino, 1989;Pickering-Iazzi, 2015;Santino, 2009;Schneider, 2018).Over the past 30 years, this resistance has intensified, manifesting in a variety of forms, from public commemorations of the mafia's victims to the propagation of antiracket declarations by businesses (Dickie, 2015;Schneider & Schneider, 2005).Activists work tirelessly to craft new cultural norms, fostering resilience through educational initiatives and social activism, countering the mafia's legacy of violence, intimidation, and mistrust (dalla Chiesa, 2014(dalla Chiesa, , 2020(dalla Chiesa, , 2021;;Grasso & La Volpe, 2012;Rosati, 2014;Santoro & Sassatelli, 2001;Schneider & Schneider, 1994).These efforts are the lifeblood of Sicily's culture war against the mafia, a fight that continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing tactics of the mafia.The Sicilian resistance against the mafia represents a deep-seated cultural struggle, one that is embedded in the island's history and collective conscience.
It is fueled by a collective memory and the honoring of figures like General Dalla Chiesa.Yet, our grasp on how social norms develop in Sicily's post-traumatic society is still emerging.While antimafia efforts have been well-documented, the nuances of norm evolution and community interaction in this sensitive local context are less uncovered.This study seeks to bridge that gap by engaging with protests, interviewing activists, and observing participants at antimafia events, shedding light on the complex processes of norm formation in Sicily's ongoing battle against the mafia.
In the realm of cultural resistance, this study introduces two pivotal ritual forms: informative and transmissive.Informative rituals serve as educational forums, detailing the historical underpinnings of opposition to systemic wrongs.They aim to equip communities with an in-depth understanding of their resistance's roots and goals.In contrast, transmissive rituals engage on an emotional level, spurring collective action and cementing shared norms through performative expression.While informative rituals construct the intellectual framework for resistance, transmissive rituals channel this knowledge into active societal change.This research underscores the importance of time in solidifying new civic norms and sustaining resistance, particularly against entities like the mafia, highlighting the role of collective memory and ritual persistence in cultural struggles.

THEORIZING CIVIC NORMS AND COLLEC TIVE RE S IS TAN CE IN P OS T-TR AUMATI C SO CIE TIE S THROUG H E THNOG R APHIC RE S E ARCH
Contemporary ethnographic research places a significant emphasis on delineating the causal pathways that precipitate societal transformations.This investigative paradigm sheds light on communal norms by dissecting the environments in which societal narratives take shape (Marcus, 2021;Small, 2013;Tavory & Timmermans, 2013;Yi'En, 2014).Mathuria (2024) draws attention to the pervasive influence of conflict within both the storytelling and the tangible milieu of Belfast, shaping the lived experience of its inhabitants.
Through an ethnographic exploration centered on narrative construction and spatial dynamics, we gain insights into the personal narratives of resistance, the foundational elements of conflict, and the emergent collective drive for societal change.When ethnography is interwoven with the study of collective memory, a holistic vista on social evolution emerges, binding discrete personal stories and community narratives to broader societal challenges and reformative aspirations.This conceptualization of memory transcends a mere archival function; it actively forges identities and spurs communities toward envisaged changes (Closer, 1992;Halbwachs, 1992).The interplay of narrative discourse and historical engagement is crucial to collective recollection (Wertsch, 2002).In this respect, della Porta and Tufaro (2022) reveal how the confluence of emotions and nostalgia profoundly informs the collective psyche, nurturing a powerful mnemonic culture that saturates the social fabric.
The construct of cultural trauma is instrumental in molding the collective memory and identity within societies, driven by catastrophic events that etch deep scars on the communal psyche, altering its narrative fabric and future consciousness (Alexander, 2004).
The mobilization against the Sicilian mafia serves as a stark illustration of such trauma's capacity to reshape society's collective memory-an area extensively analyzed in academic discourse (Alexander, 2013;Klein, 2021).The articulation of cultural trauma is inextricably linked to the cultural significance imbued in spaces, transforming sites of historical sorrow into hallowed grounds of collective memory (Davenport, 2019;Eyerman, 2004).Additionally, the fabric of resistance movements is woven through rituals and social interactions, channeling collective adversities into empowerment and spawning new social paradigms (McFarland, 2004).Törnqvist (2021) delves deeper into this dynamic with the notion of "communal intimacy," delineating how routine interactions can birth a tapestry of solidarity and shared identity.
Scholars of social movements have long presented the significance of developing interpersonal relations and sense of group identity in order to catalyze mobilization (della Porta, 2020;Polletta & Jasper, 2001;Snow & McAdam, 2000).The formation of a collective agenda can incentivize people that are not involved in the same associations to participate in shared cultural activities (Melucci, 1996).
In addition, Whittier (1997) maintained that it is through rituals that traditional symbolic codes can be disrupted and the dynamics of social conduct that are usually assumed to be unchangeable can be overturned.From this point of view, it is reasonable to assume that space gains a strategic role in the materialization of rituals and social interactions.Survivors of trauma utilize various strategies to engage with the social structure in order to achieve resilience, which necessitates a multifaceted approach that bounces back and forth to account for the complexities of these social interactions (Clark, 2021;Collins, 2004).Furthermore, when a traumatic event takes place, these communal moments are delineated by narratives that become instruments with which individuals give form to their shared motives of grief.The imperative to tackle violence and foster resistance necessitates the cultivation of civic norms to facilitate collective transformation.While civic norms, the collective rules and values that societies hold, may not inherently secure unity (Chriss, 2007;Putnam, 2000), examining the narratives of trauma within their original contexts reveals the dynamic evolution of these norms.
Such scrutiny enriches our understanding of social unity by assessing how narratives and the spaces they inhabit shape posttrauma society and contribute to the endorsement of norms.The notion of a "culture war" highlights the intense disputes over core values that reverberate through our social and political landscapes (Barker & Carman, 2012).In Sicily, the antimafia struggle draws upon historical suffering to consolidate a stance of cultural and ethical resistance, effectively casting its mission as a cultural conflict against the historical attributes of mafia culture (Cayli, 2012(Cayli, , 2013;;Cayli Messina, 2024).Hence, the study of civic norms here underscores the essential role of communal engagement with shared mores and practices in promoting societal harmony and stability (Dalton, 2008;Interis, 2011).

ME THODOLOGY AND DATA COLLEC TION
Building on the insights of Glaeser (2005) and Katz (2019)  antimafia activists, who provided detailed narratives on the mafia's societal influence and their organized resistance, and bystanders-both local residents and foreigners (local and international tourists)-who engaged with antimafia activities from a distance.This rich dataset facilitated an exploration of the communicative exchanges and the strategic use of public spaces by activists, offering a clear view into the distinct roles that emerge in the throes of this cultural conflict.To gather my data, I adopted a three-tiered strategy: (i) attendance at 77 commemorative events 1 organized for mafia victims,2 combined with a guided city tour3 ; (ii) interviews conducted with 54 antimafia activists4 (Table 1); and (iii) 89 audio-visual recordings taken from antimafia events, with a combined duration of 1768 min.
The duration of the commemorative events ranged from 25 min to 8 h. 5 The length of the interviews ranged from 35 min to The study identifies an epistemological narrative that seeks to reshape understanding of the mafia's history and the community's shared tragedies, aiming to lay a groundwork for civic norms.In contrast, the behavior-focused narrative prompts action, harnessing personal knowledge of historical trauma to fuel emotional engagement and collective resistance.Instrumental space complements the epistemological narrative, serving to disseminate knowledge and enhance public consciousness, thus supporting the educative thrust of antimafia efforts.Sentimental space, tied to the behavior-focused narrative, taps into the emotional resonance of locations to bolster the drive for action among those familiar with the mafia's impact.This approach, intertwining narrative with space, delicately reshapes civic norms and solidifies collective resistance to the mafia.
It revolves around two narrative forms: the epistemological narrative, which informs through instrumental space, and the behaviorfocused narrative, which galvanizes action through sentimental space.These narratives give rise to two ritual types: informative rituals that educate on the mafia's history and motives for resistance, 1 Many antimafia activists I interviewed participate in commemorative activities despite lacking affiliation.Volunteers who are knowledgeable about antimafia events may assist in their organization.This compilation comprises solely official affiliations.The infighting among antimafia activists reveals their divergences.

TA B L E 1
The names, professions, age, gender, and affiliation of interviewees.2).
In order to protect the anonymity of my interviewees, I have used pseudonyms.In the following sections, certain names were marked with an asterisk (*) indicating that these individuals insisted to reveal their real identity, as they already have a public profile, so I agreed with these interviewees as they are not at risk from any potential

THE WE AP ONS OF COLLEC TIVE RE S IS TAN CE: INFORMATIVE AND TR ANS MISS IVE RITUAL S
This section delves into the nuanced orchestration of collective resistance through the lenses of informative and transmissive rituals.
Informative rituals leverage historical insights and physical landmarks to educate and recalibrate public perception, while transmissive rituals convert individual memories and community sentiment into a pervasive culture of resistance.As we traverse the narratives of iconic figures and the solidarity of communal acts, this section dissects the gradual but resolute transformation of civic norms-a testament to the role of temporality in the collective struggle for justice and social change.

INFORMATIVE RITUAL S
Epistemological narratives transcend mere historical recounting of the mafia's opposition; they reframe these past events as socially teachable moments.These epistemological narratives foster community education and solidarity against the mafia.Venues are instrumental and act as catalysts for these narratives, illustrating the mafia's impact and molding a shared public conscience.Informative rituals, combined with reshaping perspectives, offer in-depth insights into the mafia's legacy and transform locales into centers of enlightenment and tribute.Symbolic sites thus become educational grounds that narrate the burden of history and future ambitions.This section will navigate readers through the roles that epistemological  The asterisk (*) next to a name indicates that the person has requested for their real name to be revealed.Since these individuals are already known publicly, I agreed to this request as it does not pose any additional risks to them.For other activists who did not have an asterisk next to their name, I used a pseudonym instead.

Epistemological narrative Instrumental space Informative rituals
Behavior-focused Narrative Sentimental space Transmissive rituals TA B L E 2 How different narrative codes and space codes form informative and transmissive rituals.
Eleven steel columns can be observed in the photo, memorializing the 11 magistrates killed by the mafia.An artistic rendition of Nike of Samothrace from the Louvre Museum in Paris, crafted by Giovanna De Sanctis, stands in front of the photograph's viewers.The Greek goddess of victory symbolizes not only a tribute to the martyred magistrates but also justice's triumph over the mafia, thanks to their sacrifices (Figure 1).
The concept of temporality is strongly pertinent in this context, as these architectural examples convey more than just the physicality of their construction.Instead, they testify to their place within history, and the enduring legacy of these defining moments which are so deeply embedded into the collective memory.The individuals gathered on the stairwell to listen intently as Alberto, the guide, recounted the tales of two fallen magistrates, Giovanni Falcone and Polo Borsellino.These two magistrates had become symbols throughout Italy for their brave stance against the mafia; news of death threats was well-known before their untimely demise, with members of the public informed by both media outlets and local newspapers.After the participants sat down on the stairs, Alberto said: The scenery here is breathtaking, yet beneath its beauty lies a history of tragedy and struggle.We must remember the names of those magistrates and the sacrifices they made to bring forth a brighter future.
In fact, the very building behind us was once occupied by Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino-two magistrates who worked together to fight against the mafia, and both were assassinated by the mafia.It is their example that taught us to remain brave in the face of adversity and to always speak out in defense of justice.
One of the participants curiously asked what the reactions of citizens in Palermo were when the two judges were assassinated.
Alberto responded: They felt a desperate need for change and knew they had to act.However, simply having police or magistrates on their side was insufficient.
Alberto's narrative encapsulated the integral components of informative rituals as it highlighted the necessity of background information regarding unity and solidarity to contest the mafia's hegemony.The repetition of terms like "brave," "justice," "tragedy," and "struggle" throughout the discourse underscores their enduring relevance over time.The same lexicon employed frequently in collective commemoration activities, of which I attended, is often reflective of the trauma experienced and values advocated by activists.These words serve not only to describe the goals and actions of the collective resistance but also to connect the present with the past.In essence, the notion of temporality is pivotal in affirming that the pursuit of justice amid tragedy are not disparate episodes but enduring chronicles that are conveyed from one generation to another.
These terms carry the burden of history, making them fundamental components in constructing the identity and impulsion of activists.
The pizzo (extortion money) is a quintessential marker of the mafia's influence over its territory.Addiopizzo has gained increasing traction across Sicily and La Cappola, a store specializing in traditional Sicilian hats, is just one example of this phenomenon: as I and the participants of the city tour entered the premises, it was clear that not only had they joined the movement against the mafia but also had embraced solidarity.Giorgio and Alberto provided an insightful explanation of the traditional uses of these headpieces as a symbol for members of a cosca (mafia clan).While this is no longer the case, the popularity of these hats has increased among both lo- The relationship between the church and the mafia has long been a source of debate and contention (Dino, 2014).Despite high levels of historical cooperation between these two entities, there were also brave priests who dedicated their lives to challenging the mafia.One such priest was Pino Puglisi, who was based in Brancaccio, a neighborhood of Palermo where the mafia continues to hold a stronghold.He used the church as a platform to denounce their criminal activities (Ceruso, 2012).His tireless work supporting young people taught them the value of morality and respect for the law, keeping them away from the mafia's influence.But his efforts to remove the roots of the mafia sparked such ire that two mafiosi brothers-Filippo and Giuseppe Graviano-assassinated him on September 15, 1993 (Deliziosi, 2018).The city tour for tourists also included a visit to the cathedral which hosts the shrine of Pino Puglisi.At the entrance of the cathedral, Alberto's voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke of Puglisi's bravery.Alberto said: Father Pino Puglisi fearlessly risked his life by convincing young people and children to turn away from the mafia and pursue a safe future.His talk with families in the neighborhood was detrimental to the mafia, curbing not only their operational capacity but also their social influence.
In 2020, Leoluca Orlando, the mayor of Palermo and Puglisi's friend, related a very similar narrative.During the commemorative event, Orlando said: The mafia held an aura of oppressive force; however, this was not the case for him.Father Puglisi showed great courage and tenacity to confront the darkness, striving to form a better world where his actions made the mafia fear him more than any prison cell could.

The statement accentuates the extensive duration of Father
Puglisi's boldness, frames it within an historical context, underscores its continuing significance, and demonstrates how the civic norms that Father Puglisi aimed to instill can constitute a greater danger to the mafia than a prison.When I visited the Giardino della Memoria (The Garden of Memory), a park dedicated to those who had perished in the fight against the mafia, I saw young people and students gathered to commemorate Pino Puglisi.A teacher, in a fervent narrative to her students replete with accounts of individuals who confronted the mafia and stressing the requirement for forming "an atmosphere of adherence to the culture of legality", finished her speech.Their steps echoed the teacher's words as they moved away to pay tribute at the two trees planted in honor of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.In my interview with Rosalia, a secondary school teacher that accompanied her classes to the garden, she told me about the importance of this place: We tell our students stories of their predecessors but when they come here, they really get to feel it.The emotion they feel when they touch these trees is real; it encourages them to think on the values we attempt to teach in them at school.
Rosalia's statement implies that education is not only about transmitting knowledge but also about creating a tangible connection to history and civic norms.The use of phrases like "stories of their predecessors" and "when they touch these trees" emphasizes the temporal aspect.It suggests that students are experiencing a sense of continuity with those who came before them.This tempo-  than mere coordinates on a map; they are sanctuaries of memory and classrooms of resistance.Informative rituals accomplish a dual purpose: they educate the public on the mafia's brutal history and foster an environment conducive to nurturing the civic norms that will empower society against the mafia.By binding the empirical evidence of the past with the spatial anchors of the present, these rituals ensure that the fight against the mafia is not just remembered but is actively engaged in by a community determined to shape a future defined by solidarity and change.

TR ANS MISS IVE RITUAL S
In this exploration of transmissive rituals, we unearth how behavior- It has been nearly a decade and a half since we chose to reject the oppressive rule of the mafia, and we knew that the only way to challenge it was to rally more people behind us and raise our voices in public.After all this time, we still believe that collective action is an essential tool to combat their power.
The fight against the mafia that is entrenched in our society has been long and difficult with many sacrifices made.We can feel a sense of progress, but at the same time, we are painfully aware of how much battle remains to be fought and how much longer it may take for us to see real change.We must retain hope and continue fighting while we cling to sorrow in order to stay true to those who have fallen before us.
The quotation speaks to the unpredictability of this long and difficult battle against the mafia, where hope and despair come face to face.As they reach out for a better future, they are conscious of the heavy toll that has already been taken by those who have gone before them.The temporality of the struggle is both inspirational and devastating; as glimmers of hope appear on the horizon, they must acknowledge the immense cost of doing so and remain steadfast in their dedication despite daunting odds.The concise and crucial slogan of Addiopizzo, which positions "dignity" against "pizzo", seeks to activate more people to participate in their movement.When I interviewed another activist from Addiopizzo, Francesca, she also highlighted the significance of storytelling and making individuals feel that they are not alone if faced with mafia threats.She emphasized the significance of those who had been victims of mafia violence in the past, saying: The testimonies and struggles of those who went before us, those martyred by the mafia, serve as a light to guide our path and give us courage.Their plight forms a moral justification for our own endeavors against the mafia and all forms of injustice.
Although enlistment into the Addiopizzo was gradual during its beginning years, after almost 20 years of its foundation, over a thousand businesses have now adopted the use of Addiopizzo stickers that can be observed on windows or in a conspicuous area of their stores.
These symbols have been reimagined as powerful cultural materials transmitting solidarity and courage while sending a warning to the mafia that those involved will not bow down to their extortion demands.The expression utilized by Addiopizzo in tandem with physical presence of stickers manifest how activists and locals employ narratives and spaces alike as weapons to combat the mafia.This kind of public visibility helps to direct the attention of customers to the importance of critical consumption against the mafia in the city (Forno & Gunnarson, 2010).The organization also offers legal assistance to threatened shopkeepers, and they have close contacts with the police.
The behavior-focused narrative began not with a cry of war, but with a whisper of taking action, encapsulated in the resolute words they scattered across the city: "An entire nation that pays the pizzo, is a nation without dignity."This was not just a slogan; it was a clarion call for behavioral transformation-a transmissive ritual that wove the personal valor of a few into the collective conscience of many.The Addiopizzo campaign, birthed from the refusal to yield to the mafia's demands for extortion, blossomed into a movement that transcended the boundaries of personal struggle.As Francesca, 10 The original text in Italian is: "Un intero popolo che paga il pizzo è un popolo senza dignità."another activist, joined the founders, she shared how storytellingrecalling the people who fell prey to the mafia's brutality-cast a guiding light on their path.These behavior-focused narratives were not mere retellings of sorrow; they were the moral fiber that wove the present to the past, giving legitimacy and urgency to their cause by embracing the same kind of behavior against the mafia.In the shared history of pain and resilience, the transmissive ritual found its heartbeat, propelling the movement forward, emboldening the community to stand together, not just in memory but in a resolute action to march toward justice.
This collective resolve found a symbol in the stickers of Addiopizzo plastered on the windows of over a thousand businesses that transform those windows into sentimental spaces, an evergrowing testament to the power of behavior-focused narratives in action.And as the narrative of Addiopizzo spread, weaving through the streets of Palermo, it inspired not just the heart but the habits of the city.Customers began to seek those stickers, to support those who had chosen dignity over submission, affecting the very economics that the mafia once thought to control.This change in consumer behavior was a pivotal aspect of the transmissive ritual, turning every purchase into a silent action against the mafia's reign.
In the story of Addiopizzo, the transmissive rituals of behaviorfocused narratives and sentimental spaces converge to write a narrative of change, etching a new legacy into the streets of Palermo-a legacy of hope, action, and unwavering dignity.
As many enthusiastic activists gathered for the 26th anniversary of Borsellino's assassination, local students from where he had grown up were present.The growing mobilization after such a long time of tragedy and pain was encouraging, but it was hard not to remember the words of Caponnetto at Paolo Borsellino's funeral all those years ago.
The brutal murders of Falcone and Borsellino acted as a catalyst that spurred civilian groups to take the reins in the continued fight against the mafia, and since then have been spearheading initiatives to change civic norms in Sicily.While sports activities, conversations about social projects, and speeches marked the day, Salvatore Borsellino's 11 address filled the air with emotion when he spoke."It is both beautiful and heart-breaking to see you here today", he said.
I am happy that future generations will be better off than us, but I can't help but think of those in power, the state, who still have my brother's blood on their hands.
In his statement, Salvatore Borsellino alluded to the welldocumented conundrum concerning the mounting suspicions that the mafia had conspired with several parts of state agencies and intelligence services in the contrivance of the assassination plot against Paolo Borsellino, executed under the auspices of the top political establishment and the mafia (Barrometi, 2023;Borsellino, 2023).
These annual gatherings are rites that do more than honor the past; they serve as conduits for the transmission of civic values, embodying the behavioral transformation called for by the legacy of the slain judges.The behavior-focused narrative thread of these rituals is potent and clear: the brutal murders of Falcone and Borsellino are not endpoints but catalysts, igniting civilian groups to assume the mantle in the ongoing battle against the mafia.The activities of the day-sports, dialogues, and speeches-are manifestations of this behavior-focused narrative, each one reinforcing the call to action and the repudiation of the mafia's influence.Salvatore Borsellino's emotionally charged address captures the essence of behavior-focused narratives.His words, laden with a mix of pride and grief, communicate a duality of progress and remembrance, urging the audience to embrace the mantle of change while acknowledging the heavy cost of the struggle.It is within this space of shared emotion-the sentimental space-and collective will that the transmissive ritual finds its heart.
My interview with Giovanni took place in a small, cluttered office in Palermo, on a narrow side street.The table was filled with several T-shirts, emblazoned with the symbols of City Angels-a civil society fighting to safeguard the city streets and help the destitute.When I asked Giovanni about the Piazza della Memoria, he spoke with both sadness and determination in his voice.He explained that in creating this memorial space we needed to commemorate those brave individuals whose stories were forever captured in cultural artifacts.He added: Simply having this monument was not enough.We had to reconsider if it is enough to break the omertà (code of silence) among ordinary people, a task that all those assassinated judges had hoped to accomplish.
Giovanni's apprehension has been echoed by civil society organizations in Sicily that are committed to eradicating the mafia.
Through educational and sporting interventions, dedicated activists are fighting a war to reset mafiosi culture and restore community spirit (Blandano & Lorenzi, 1989;Falcone & Sirignano, 2022).They are working to cut the root of all mafia influence, inspiring the next generation to stand together in defiance of any attempt by the mafia to impose their oppressive governing methods.Nevertheless, these interventions are effective when enacted within the sites of past tragedies and integrated into narratives.Thus, they contextualize the collective trauma of the past in regard to the present and safeguard society from the risk of collective amnesia, furnishing an organic basis for resistance against mafia violence and mafiosi culture.Marta, whom I met through Agenda Rossa, explained the importance of attending commemorative events: We honor the brave souls who perished fighting the mafia through commemoration.Together we can challenge and defeat the mafia's violence.We must join forces to take back our society and create a new generation of those who dared to stand up against the mafia and its injustice with unbreakable courage and dignity.These are the values that matter.
11 Salvatore Borsellino is the brother of Paolo Borsellino who is also leading Agenda Rossa group aiming to promote antimafia values and fiercely embraces a strong critical approach for notorious the political-criminal nexus in the country.

WHY TEMP OR ALIT Y MAT TER S IN S HIF TING CIVIC NORMS
The concept of temporality is pivotal in understanding the evolution of civic norms in the face of prolonged crime, violence, and injustice.
It reminds us that the process of change is incremental and deeply rooted in historical context.Similar to the protracted struggles in places like Northern Ireland, where years of conflict have slowly given way to peace and new social orders, the battle against the mafia's influence in Sicily represents a gradual recalibration of community standards and expectations (English, 2008;McGinty & Du Toit, 2007).Yet this battle against the mafia has the longest period of civic resistance considering the first fight started as early as the 1870s.This illustrates the importance of the Sicilian antimafia movement to explore why certain culture war take over a century.rooted criminal influence requires sustained effort and the cumulative impact of both educational and action-oriented strategies.
The societal transformation seen in post-apartheid South Africa, for instance, illustrates the extended timelines required to alter public consciousness and institutional behavior (Gibson, 2004).The rituals themselves must evolve to address new challenges and adapt to the changing dynamics of crime and resistance.As we contemplate the efficacy of rituals in countering mafia influence, it becomes imperative to understand the complexities and limitations inherent in the transformation of civic norms.The collective resistance against the mafia, therefore, has become a long-term commitment that spans generations, much like the civil rights movements in the United States, which have seen waves of progress and setback over many decades (Morris, 1984;Theoharis, 2018).This extended time- This gradual metamorphosis of civic norms, while painstakingly slow, signifies a profound counteraction to a history rife with violence and injustice, and merits rigorous scrutiny for its potential to inspire wider change.When confronted with a formidable mafia, the passage of time serves as a catalyst for transformation; even minor acts of resistance amass to threaten the mafia's entrenched authority.
It is within this temporal context that the efforts of activists take on a deeper meaning, as they are not merely reacting to the present but actively weaving new societal values that honor the past while forging a just future.The laborious journey to redefine norms, stretching across generations, is an affirmation of the community's enduring vision and commitment to nurturing a culture of defiance and resilience.
Understanding the role of temporality in the evolution of civic norms is key to appreciating the complexity and scale of the challenge.The mafia's influence, deeply embedded in the cultural and institutional weave of society, cannot be unraveled quickly or easily.
The long march toward a society emancipated from the shackles of the mafia requires more than just the passage of time-it requires a deliberate reconstitution of the very essence of civic life, embedding new norms of transparency, equity, and justice into the everyday existence of citizens.In essence, the temporality of this struggle encapsulates both the arduous nature of the task at hand and the incremental victories that pave the way to a reimagined society.As the Sicilian resistance demonstrates, it is through time-bound persistence and the collective will to act that the deeply sown seeds of the mafia's oppressive regime can be challenged, and a legacy of empowerment and autonomy can be established for the generations to come.

CON CLUS ION
In my analysis, activists and locals are forging new narratives to reshape the tragic tapestry of Sicily's fight against organized crime.involved in activism, deepening our understanding of the broader impact of such traumatic events.The elimination of mafiosi culture is a crucial component of the culture war against the mafia, which can be achieved by establishing and consolidating a set of civic norms that shape the perceptions and behaviors of diverse actors and challenge the mafia at its roots.The procurement of civic norms is a laborious process that requires persistent effort among its proponents to succeed in the culture war.Social bonds are an integral part of the struggle to propagate appropriate values, where different forms of narrative and space are the primary instruments required to gain the assent of the masses.This is a complex and lengthy social endeavor.Thus, any future studies inquiring into collective resistance and changes in civic norms through activism should take temporal factors into consideration.
As societies confront the pervasive shadow of oppressive social forces, like the mafia, they find solace and strength in the deliberate practice of informative and transmissive rituals-strategies refined over more than a century to enshrine a culture of lawfulness.The essence of these rituals lies in their ability to leverage the passage of time, recognizing that the cultivation of civic norms is not an instant transformation, but a progressive journey shaped by the confluence of epistemological and behavior-focused narratives.The task of reorienting norms is complex and laden with challenges.Yet, it is through the steadfast collaboration of individuals and the collectivity that societies can traverse this path.By skillfully navigating both instrumental and sentimental spaces, communities can harness the full spectrum of these rituals to illuminate the way forward.It is within this dynamic interplay that the invincible resilience of humanity emerges, capable of dispelling the long-standing darkness of oppression.

ACK N OWLED G M ENTS
I thank the three reviewers for their insightful comments, which significantly improved the overall quality of this article.

FU N D I N G I N FO R M ATI O N
None.

CO N FLI C T O F I NTER E S T S TATEM ENT
The author confirms that there are no conflicts of interest to declare.
The scholarly discourse on the interplay between cultural trauma, collective memory, and the evolution of community norms in the context of collective resistance remains underexplored, particularly in longitudinal ethnographic contexts.This research intervenes in this lacuna, investigating how the embodied practices of commemoration in Sicily, following the trauma of mafia violence, catalyze the reconfiguration of civic norms.By tracing the norm change process within a post-traumatic society, the study endeavors to elucidate the mechanisms through which shared experiences of grief and resistance coalesce into a transformative social force.It theoretically contributes a nuanced understanding of how norms are not only formed but also perpetuated or altered through collective narrative and spatial engagements, offering a comprehensive examination of the cultural and social reconstruction in the aftermath of trauma.
regarding the contribution of ethnography to social theory, my study from March 2016 to May 2023 leveraged this method to dissect the complexities of society and the lasting influence of violence and crime.During a cumulative 32 months spent primarily in Palermo, Sicily, I observed the peak of mafia-related violence in the summer months and attended commemoration events.My fieldwork encompassed interactions with two principal groups: 1.5 h, based on the open-ended questions.I used the QDA Miner software to examine in depth the raw data of transcribed text, amounting to 432,678 words.Antimafia gatherings ranged from peaceful demonstrations in opposition to the mafia to recreational activities, including sports and theater performances, to solemn gatherings held in memory of those victimized by the mafia violence.Upon concluding my data analysis, distinct emergent codes crystallized, delineating the relationship between narratives and space within the context of collective resistance.This research identifies two pivotal narrative codes: (i) epistemological narrative and (ii) behavior-focused narrative.These codes, integral to understanding the norm change process, operate within two corresponding spatial dimensions-(i) instrumental space and (ii) sentimental space-each playing a distinct role in the metamorphosis of civic norms.
harm due to their involvement in this study.Based on the emerging codes from the data, my analysis focused on how activists use collective trauma caused by the mafia in their narratives in different places of commemoration and gatherings, how they express cultural values amidst this shared suffering via commemorative practices, and to what extent they strive to positively influence the local people's behaviors and visitors' perspectives of the city.This strategy guided my empirical analysis until I achieved data saturation.I used my professional camera to visually document symbols and memorials, recorded interviews and transcribed it, and jotted down my observations during my fieldwork notebook in the collection of three different main data sets.
narratives and instrumental spaces play in cultivating knowledge and civic norms through informative rituals steeped in symbolism that transform those spaces into dynamic classrooms that impart a legacy of both history and aspiration.At the initiation of the city tour tailored for foreign visitors, the significance of epistemological narratives and instrumental space was clearly discernible.The first stop of city tour with participants was Piazza della Memoria (Memory Square), which was named to commemorate 11 magistrates who were murdered by the mafia. 66 The names of the 11 magistrates and their assassination dates: Pietro Scaglione-5 maggio 1971; Cesare Terranova-25 settembre 1979; Gaetano Costa-6 agosto 1980; Giangiacomo Ciaccio Montalto-25 gennaio 1983; Rocco Chinnici-29 luglio 1983; Alberto Giacomelli-14 settembre 1988; Antonino Saetta-25 settembre 1988; Rosario Livatino-21 settembre 1990; Giovanni Falcone-23 maggio 1992; Francesca Morvillo-23 maggio 1992; and Paolo Borsellino-19 luglio 1992.
photographs in the memory house of Peppino Impastato.When I interviewed with Angela and asked what made her visit so remarkable; she responded: ral connection helps students relate to the values taught in school because they can witness their relevance in a historical context.The accounts of those who suffered at the hands of the mafia are used to bring people together in a shared sense of justice and morality and are often told within places dedicated to honoring these victims.When these tales are retold in schools, churches, or gardens, their social bond is strengthened and can help drive further social action founded upon a civic norm against the mafiosi culture.The informative rituals take place in various instrumental spaces-streets, memorial gardens, churches, houses, and educational institutions-which become arenas for instilling civic norms and forging a shared identity.The epistemological narratives that unfold in these spaces provide a framework for understanding the communal trauma experienced during the violent decades from the 1960s to the 1990s.These spaces are not merely physical locations but act as vessels of memory and education, where the older generations who witnessed unspeakable violence engage in the transmission of knowledge to the youth.They carry the dual function of embodying the collective memory and educating about the past.In doing so, these instrumental spaces allow for the reexamination of the past, enabling society to interrogate the roles and responsibilities of state institutions during the height of mafia violence.Informative rituals-rooted in epistemological narratives and manifesting within instrumental spaces-have emerged as pivotal in forging social bonds and establishing civic norms.These rituals utilize the power of knowledge and place to transform individual awareness into collective action.The poignant tales of magistrates Falcone and Borsellino, recounted in the shadow of Piazza della Memoria's solemn columns, exemplify the epistemological narrative.Their stories, rich in detail and heavy with sacrifice, are not merely recited but woven into the very fabric of Palermo's consciousness, educating citizens and visitors alike on the cost of defiance and the price of silence.These narratives gain tangible weight in instrumental spaces-sites like the Piazza and the church where mourners gathered for the magistrates' funerals.These locations are more focused narratives, when woven through the fabric of sentimental spaces, catalyze profound societal change.These rituals, exemplified by movements like Addiopizzo, harness personal and collective stories of defiance against the mafia to spark community-wide action.Sentimental spaces, rich with emotional significance, anchor behavior-focused narratives in the physical realm, transforming abstract principles into concrete experiences that resonate deeply with individuals.By marrying the compelling drive of behaviorfocused narratives with the emotionally charged power of sentimental spaces, transmissive rituals do more than memorialize the struggles of the past-they ignite the passions of the present and inspire the actions of the future.Thus, transmissive rituals bind the community together, not just in memory, but in a continual act of resistance.This section illuminates how transmissive rituals are not passive retellings but active engagements, transforming individual empathy into a collective action for justice.In 2004, Edoardo Zaffuto* and his friends had set out to open a bar in Palermo, yet soon were confronted by the unwelcomed request for pizzo from the local mafia.Refusing to pay the pizzo, they launched their Addiopizzo campaign that same year with printed notes reading "An entire nation that pays the pizzo, is a nation without dignity." 10This slogan does not only encourage its audience to abstain from the practices of mafiosi culture but also offers a narrative of solidarity that challenges people to embrace and value the tenets of dignity and culture of lawfulness.When I met the founders of Addiopizzo, Edoardo Zaffuto* and Chloé Tucciarelli*, in the garden of Villa Trabia in Palermo, they said:

The
Piazza della Memoria stands as a quintessential sentimental space, a physical embodiment of the collective trauma and unwavering resolve of the community.The sculptures and plaques do more than memorialize; they evoke a visceral response, compelling visitors to reflect, to feel, and ultimately, to act.Giovanni's testimony in his office, surrounded by the symbols of local activism, further underscores the importance of these sentimental spaces.They are not static monuments but dynamic stages where the past is reenacted in the present, breaking the omertà and perpetuating the ethos of the fallen.Marta's words distill the sentiment and intent behind these gatherings.The act of commemoration is both a pledge and a call to arms, a ritual that intertwines mourning with taking action.Through collective participation, the values of courage, justice, and dignity are not only remembered; they are enshrined as guiding principles for a society that stands united against the shadow of the mafia and these guiding principles are employed to be transmitted to the audience hoping to enforce them to take action against the mafia.Within the transmissive ritual framework, behavior-focused narratives come to the fore articulated through speeches and shared stories that not only recount past bravery but also call for present action.These narratives are strategic and intentional; they are designed to resonate with the audience, to align their emotions with the values being honored, and to catalyze a behavioral shift toward active engagement in the fight against the mafia by using spaces sentimentally.The Addiopizzo campaign and commemorative activities inPalermo exemplify transmissive rituals, powerful practices where behavior-focused narratives and sentimental spaces converge to effect social transformation.Through Addiopizzo's distribution of stickers, a seemingly modest gesture becomes a resonant declaration of community values.These stickers do more than challenge the mafia's demand for pizzo; they serve as public affirmations of solidarity and a call to uphold the dignity that stands in stark defiance to mafia subjugation.Transmissive rituals, steeped in the lived experiences and collective memory of resistance, are not only acts of remembrance but also active engagements that reaffirm and reinforce the community's commitment to the civic norms of justice and lawfulness.They encapsulate the essence of transmissive rituals by enacting behavior-focused narratives-stories of resilience and resistance that resonate deeply with the public-within sentimental spaces that are imbued with emotional significance.It is through these transmissive rituals that the social bond of civic norms is fortified, knitting together individual acts of defiance into a cohesive and powerful fabric of collective action.As the community engages in these practices by taking action, they weave a stronger collective identity, one that is defined by an unwavering stand against the mafia.
fight against the mafia.It is within this temporal framework that a community's unwavering commitment is tested and its resolve to craft a future unbound by the chains of the mafia is proven.Despite the profound impact of the rituals as articulated in the previous sections, one must consider their limitations.The process of changing civic norms is fraught with challenges, not least of which is the entrenched nature of the mafia within societal structures.Norms do not shift overnight, and the battle against deeply frame necessitates sustained efforts and a continuous narrative of resistance, education, and direct action to gradually erode the established norms and replace them with those founded on justice, legality, and mutual support.The unfolding narrative of Sicilian activism, marked by the deployment of both informative and transmissive rituals, has heralded a discernible shift in civic norms-albeit at a measured pace.The relentless and multifaceted activities of recent decades have set in motion a process of societal transformation, underscoring the pivotal role of temporality in dismantling entrenched systems of oppression.
They strive to elevate civic values and challenge the deep-seated stereotypes that have long misrepresented Sicily and its inhabitants.This cultural struggle extends beyond mere resistance; it is a deliberate campaign to alter perceptions among Sicilians themselves and to correct the misinformed views of outsiders, who may only know Sicily through the skewed lens of the media, where the region is often unfairly painted with broad strokes of mafia association.However, the longevity of this cultural war underscores the importance of recognizing temporality.The transition from individual acts of defiance to a unified community response is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring a persistent drive from those dedicated to the antimafia cause.Understanding how civic norms evolve over time is crucial-it illuminates not only the role of time in shaping this protracted conflict but also the scale of the challenge and the significance of eventual victories in Sicily's ongoing quest for justice and autonomy.The study introduces "informative" and "transmissive" rituals as theoretical concepts to understand the role of diverse practices in collective resistance and the challenge to civic norms.Informative rituals use "epistemological narratives" in an "instrumental space" to educate about the mafia and historical tragedies, shaping perceptions and norms.Transmissive rituals use "behavior-focused narratives" within a "sentimental space" to prompt direct action through emotional engagement, leveraging collective memory to spur resistance and change.Both narratives are crucial for activists to propagate civic norms-epistemological narratives build understanding, while behavior-focused narratives spark action.They utilize space to amplify their message and facilitate social change within collective resistance.The theoretical concepts of informative and transmissive rituals hold significant potential for broad application across a spectrum of global movements, transcending the specific context of mafiarelated resistance.These concepts shed light on the dynamics of the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, the Black Lives Matter movement, environmental activism by Extinction Rebellion, and other social movements facing authoritarian challenges in countries like Iran and Russia.They provide a framework for exploring how knowledge dissemination and emotional engagement drive action and sustain momentum in the fight for social change and justice.My 7-year ethnographic study delved into the sensitive realm of local tragedies and their profound effects on Sicilians.Navigating this delicate topic as an outsider required time and patience to develop trust with activists and understand the nuances of their resistance.This extended research effort allowed for an in-depth analysis of social dynamics that underpin collective defiance.Although the current research has its limitations in dissecting the full scope of how narratives, spaces, and norms drive resistance, it underscores the need for future ethnographic work.Future studies could illuminate the subtle "hidden civic norms" that emerge among those indirectly 15737861, 0, Downloaded from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/socf.12992 by Test, Wiley Online Library on [26/04/2024].See the Terms and Conditions (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/terms-and-conditions)on Wiley Online Library for rules of use; OA articles are governed by the applicable Creative Commons License