Why The Patriarchy Needs Witch Hunts
From 17th-century Scotland to today’s culture wars, this talk explores how witch hunts police gender, sexuality and power.
This illustrated talk explores the Scottish witch hunts through a feminist political lens, asking why patriarchy depends on the making of “witches” — and who is most vulnerable when fear becomes policy.
Online event
Thursday, April 2 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Book your tickets here
WHAT THIS TALK COVERS
The talk examines who was accused — around 85% in Scotland were women — and why. Many were poor, middle-aged or older, and without male protection, though wealthy and powerful women could also be targeted. It considers how interrogations were intensely sexualised, focused on women’s bodies and alleged relations with the devil, and how accusations against men were often politically motivated or connected to women’s cases.
Moving beyond the 17th century, we will reflect on how witch-hunt logic persists today — when marginalised groups are framed as threats to social order and moral stability.
This is not a conventional history lecture, but a rigorous and accessible exploration shaped by historical research and feminist analysis.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Clear historical context and key facts about the Scottish and English witch hunts
- Insight into how patriarchy operates through fear and moral panic
- Analysis of the gendered and sexualised nature of accusations
- Reflections connecting past witch hunts to contemporary politics
- Space for questions and conversation
- An introduction to the Pockets of Love project
- Suitable for everyone — no prior knowledge needed
This talk is the second in a three-part series:
Talk 1: Scotland & Its Witch Hunts – An Eco-Feminist Perspective
Thursday 19 March, 7.30pm
Talk 2: Why The Patriarchy Needs Witch Hunts –
Thursday 2 April, 7:30pm
Talk 3: Remembering Scotland’s Witches: The Pockets of Love Project –
Thursday 16 April, 7:30pm
Buy both talks for £19.12
Book your tickets here
