Summary
The podcast explores the historical context and economic factors behind the witch trials in 16th and 17th century Europe, with a focus on a paper by economist Emily Oster. Oster's research examines the relationship between economic hardship and the scapegoating of marginalized individuals, particularly women, during times of crisis. She argues that as economic conditions deteriorated, communities sought explanations for their misfortunes, often leading to the persecution of those deemed witches.
Oster highlights the role of the Little Ice Age, which caused crop failures and heightened economic insecurity, as a significant factor contributing to the rise in witch trials. The discussion also touches on the societal and religious turmoil of the time, including the Protestant Reformation, which created a charged environment ripe for scapegoating. The conversation emphasizes the psychological need for explanations during difficult times and how this tendency persists in modern contexts, reflecting on the broader implications of scapegoating in society today.
Show Notes
Hundreds of years ago, across Europe - from Germany to Scandinavia, France to Britain - tens of thousands of mostly women were executed, accused of being witches. The persecution reached its height in the 16th and 17th centuries. But why? And could economics help explain the hysteria?
Hosts Gillian Tett and Robin Wigglesworth are joined by Brown University economist Emily Oster, whose research explores whether colder temperatures during the Little Ice Age led to economic hardship and an increased number of witch trials. They discuss how Oster used historical weather and witch trial data to investigate the connection, how evolving economic data changes our perceptions of history and what Europe's witch hunts reveal about scapegoating.
Further reading: Witchcraft, Weather and Economic Growth in Renaissance Europe, The Journal of Economic Perspectives, by Emily Oster Witch Trials, The Economic Journal, by Peter T. Leeson and Jacob W. Russ Malleus Maleficarum, by Heinrich Kramer
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Hosts: Gillian Tett & Robin Wigglesworth Producer: Lulu Smyth Senior producer: Michela Tindera Executive producer: Kate Ford Original music and sound design: Breen Turner Video editor: Michael Saliba Podcast development: Laura Clarke FT global head of audio: Flo Phillips
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