What Role Did Witchcraft Play In A Patriarchal Society

In the reading by Bever (year), witchcraft became a prominent issue because of the fact that women in particular used it as an outlet for their aggression, and a means to obtain some sort of power. Witchcraft allowed women to be assertive in a patriarchal society. Women were able to vocalize their own opinions and wear people down through the use of fear (Bever 2002). While witchcraft provided power to women at times it was also used as a means of subordinating women, who were essential members of their community (Bever 2002). Accusations of witchcraft were an easy way to relieve conflict that would arise due to economic issues or mere relational issues (Bever 2002). While women have often made out to be meek and have had to assert themselves