Studying Witchcraft As Women's History - The European Witch Persecutions
This detailed article explores how the author, Barstow, possesses a perception of how the mass execution of men and women throughout Europe (between the years of 1300 to 1700) have been historically (even into recent years, throughout the past century) misinterpreted by historians. The author states these events were solely an attack on women. Barstow’s main point persists throughout, to provide the reader with a strong understanding that historical publications have purposely averted identifying the misogyny and toxic patriarchy which caused this genocide. Barstow has made her argument by identifying, “a pattern of denial” in the pieces of literature of which she has referenced. She uses a powerful comparison to the historical literature addressing the Nazi holocaust. She states that previous works are, “like reading accounts of the Nazi holocaust” where “the majority of victims were Jewish, but no one mentions anti-Semitism”.
Barstow however dismisses the need to evidence this comparison with literature. The argument Barstow is making is internally coherent to an extent. Many of the pieces of evidence (such as Midelfort 1972) are used to highlight a historical misunderstanding and appear ignorant of the misogyny which resulted in this mass genocide, instead placing significance on economic and social factors. In pieces of literature referenced and praised by Barstow, such as that of Christina Larner, ideas possess narrow and definitive focus, yet ultimately draw wildly unpredictable conclusions such as “witch-hunting is not woman-hunting”. I do believe that Larner’s triple (and broad) skill in sociology, history and religion provide her with the accreditation to draw such an unpredictable conclusion.
The article does not lead to a conclusion, however climaxes similarly to the early works of Trevor-Roper and Larner, with Barstow stating “this dynamic history cannot be reduced to a central cause”. This provides the reader with a sense of emptiness, as though the piece is an internal struggle in understanding from the author, rather than a definitive piece of female historical literature. Barstow does slightly contradict herself in the following sentence stating, “the only, constant is the gender of the victims”. The article prompts and motivates further research into the subject, perhaps purposely leaving unanswered questions (such as, why is economics as a cause not investigated?). Thus to allow for a continuation in study within the subject.
I do however; believe the piece contributes modestly to a basic understanding of the European witch-trials. However, Barstow neglects to recognise and address the 15,000 male victims of the genocide, and succumbs to merely focusing on the majority, with complete ignorance to the minority. This is evidenced by Barstow stating “men could be arraigned on the charges of witchcraft” and that “they were prosecuted in small numbers”. She goes on to explain that “85% of those executed were female” thus neglecting to even mention that 15% were male. This scope of ignorance is often to blame for forgotten history and this is why the piece cannot be used alone to comprehensively understand the historical witch-trials. I do not ultimately find this article convincing.
