Witchcraft, Sorcery, Rumors and Gossip |
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| Author:
| Stewart, Pamela J.
Strathern, Andrew |
| Series title: | New Departures in Anthropology Ser. |
| ISBN: | 978-0-521-80868-2 |
| Publication Date: | Nov 2003 |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press
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| Book Format: | Hardback |
| List Price: | USD $72.00 |
Book Description:
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This book combines two classic topics in social anthropology in a new synthesis: the study of witchcraft and sorcery and the study of rumors and gossip. First, it shows how rumor and gossip are invariably important as catalysts for accusations of witchcraft and sorcery. Second, it demonstrates the role of rumor and gossip in the genesis of social and political violence, as in the case of both peasant rebellions and witch-hunts. Examples supporting the argument are drawn from Africa,...
More DescriptionThis book combines two classic topics in social anthropology in a new synthesis: the study of witchcraft and sorcery and the study of rumors and gossip. First, it shows how rumor and gossip are invariably important as catalysts for accusations of witchcraft and sorcery. Second, it demonstrates the role of rumor and gossip in the genesis of social and political violence, as in the case of both peasant rebellions and witch-hunts. Examples supporting the argument are drawn from Africa, Europe, India, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.