De figuris caporali: The emerging social representations and ideologies of caporali in narratives of power and control

Abstract

The caporalato system, a widespread form of labor exploitation in Italy and Europe, relies on caporali – intermediaries who manage and control migrant workers. Despite their central role, caporali remain understudied due to the difficulty of accessing and observing them directly. This study addresses this gap by analyzing narratives from three distinct datasets of recorded interactions with agricultural workers, using a dual framework of emerging social representations and ideologies. The analysis reveals that caporali are represented through overlapping and dynamic identities, including businessmen, criminal bosses, paternal figures, and religious leaders. These representations often merge, creating hybrid constructs that allow caporali to legitimize their power and maintain control. Similarly, the ideological values tied to productivity, loyalty, fear, and control interact, reinforcing the caporale’s dominance and making resistance difficult. This study highlights how the fluidity of representations and ideologies sustains the resilience of the caporalato system, offering new insights into its persistence and adaptability.