Same-sex competition and sexual conflict expressed through witchcraft accusations

Scientific Reports • Vol/Iss. 12(1) • Nature Portfolio • London • Published In • Pages: 1-13 •
By Peacey, Sarah, Campbell, Olympia L. K., Mace, Ruth

Abstract

In this study, the authors analyze relationships between witchcraft accusations and the gender of the accused. They find that men are most often accused of witchcraft in their sample of 54 Bantu or Bantoid societies, and are particularly more likely to be accused of witchcraft by unrelated or blood-related individuals or in disputes over wealth or prestige. On the other hand, women are more likely to be accused of witchcraft in affinal relationships, particularly husbands and co-wives, and in situations related to fertility or relationships. Elderly women were also more likely to be accused of witchcraft than elderly men. The authors also examined outcomes of witchcraft accusations, finding that 81% of cases resulted in a negative outcome for the accused. They suggest that competition underlies accusations of witchcraft.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's own54 Bantu or Bantoid societies
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Researcher's own54 Bantu or Bantoid societies

Hypotheses (11)

HypothesisSupported
Accusations of witchcraft between unrelated individuals will be more likely to target men. (3)Supported
Accusations of witchcraft between related individuals will be more likely to target men. (3)Supported
Accusations of witchcraft within affinal relationships will be more likely to target women. (3)Supported assumed
Accusations of witchcraft will be more likely to target men when circumstances preceding the accusation relate to the acquisition of wealth and status. (3)Supported
Accusations of witchcraft will be more likely to target women when circumstances preceding the accusation relate to fertility and relationships.Support assumed
Accusations of witchcraft will be more likely to target individuals of both sexes when circumstances preceding the accusation relates to interpersonal disputes.Not supported
Accusations of elderly people of witchcraft will be more likely to target women. (3)Supported
Witchcraft accusations will reduce the ability of the accused to compete for resources.Support claimed
Accusations of witchcraft will be more likely to target women in societies where polygyny is common.Not supported
Accusations of witchcraft will be more likely to target women in patrilocal societies.Not supported
Accusations of witchcraft from one spouse to another will be more likely to target women than men.Support claimed
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: anj.droe