Federici And The Black Death

1. Describe what Federici takes to be the relationship between the black death (the plague), wages, and the witch hunts. What was the role of women in society before the black death? How did it change? What does Federici take to be the reasons for the witch hunts?
According to Federici, the black death was a major turning point in the history of Europe, with about a third of the population being killed (44), thus necessitating the reconstruction of the entire labor market. In this case, wages went up, following the reduction in labor force, and changed the social dynamics of Europe. Peasants and women now had a voice, and they could freely choose their roles in society, as well as demand higher pay through threats of mass exodus to other lands that needed more workers.
Afterwards, however, they saw a chance to extend their services outside of the homes, which was also largely informed by the steady decline in the payoffs of reproductive work. According to Federici, the men were unhappy with the women’s decision to step outside of the home and into the marketplace, thus catalyzing the phenomena of witch-hunts. Men began calling women “whores” and “witches” whenever they would decide to abandon their prescribed household duties (96), which was aimed at dissuading them from entering the marketplace.
2. According to Federici, how did Roman slavery give rise to feudal society? Was feudal society stable and peaceful? What was the enclosure of the “commons” and how did this give rise to both peasants revolts and the rise of cities? (make sure to reference the 12 Articles of the