Role of class and practices of witchcraft accusation in Bhangaha Municipality, Mahottari
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Department of Sociology
Abstract
This thesis explores the beliefs surrounding the existence of witchcraft, its origins, and its social implications in Nepal. A comprehensive understanding of any society necessitates an examination of its belief system. Throughout various cultures and time periods, beliefs in supernatural powers and their practices have been widely prevalent.
The issue of accusing women of witchcraft is a global social problem, and Nepal is no exception. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the root causes and impact of witchcraft accusations. These studies have focused on various factors such as superstition, cultural values, social constructs, and patriarchy. In this thesis, I aim to demonstrate the role of social class in witchcraft accusations, building upon existing literature. The study is based on twelve case studies, all of which are from Bhangaha Rural Municipality in Mahottari.
Through my research, I have examined the correlation between witchcraft accusations and superstition, illiteracy, class oppression, patriarchy, and social constructionism. I have found a positive relationship between these factors. The majority of victims of witchcraft accusations were found to be poor, illiterate, marginalized, and neglected by the state apparatus. Consequently, they became vulnerable to exploitation by others.