Many cultures have beliefs about witches. What are the anthropological theories that seek to define and explain beliefs in witchcraft? Compare and contrast different cultures’ and communities perceptions of witches, witchcraft, and the methods they use for detecting and punishing witchcraft. Additionally, discuss reasons why witchcraft accusations may increase and lead to more violent punishments in any given society, supporting your assertions with multiple ethnographic examples.
In answering the above prompt make sure to attend to the following questions: How is witchcraft detected and witches accused? What is the relationship between witchcraft and social norms? What is the relationship between witchcraft and envy? Can witches be witches unknowingly? How do witches get their powers? How is witchcraft a real, social problem? In many locations, traditional methods of dealing with witchcraft have evolved over time into more violent forms of witch-hunting undertaken on a more massive scale. Why? What causes this shift? What types of factors influence violent social manias about witchcraft leading to mass murder? In answering the former questions be sure to explore how throughout your readings on witchcraft, researchers have analyzed the relationships between social disorder, mobility, deviance, gender, and witchcraft accusations. Provide evidence for your thesis by incorporating ethnographic examples and theoretical explanations from your readings. For example, compare the witch hunts in Europe to witch killings in Africa and discuss the “scapegoat” theory. (500 word minimum)
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