Malleus Maleficarum Witchcraft as It Is - Essay Example

The vulnerability of women arose from the structure of society. The male chauvinistic society maligned women they considered influential. In the prosecution of witches, the society prosecuted a number of innocent women owing to their beliefs and attempts to defend such beliefs. In the 17th century, a number of women were drawn to witchcraft since the practice gained them some authority. The most common argument was that the evil spirit seduced women. The spirits of witchcraft and sorcery would always seek sexual gratification from women and would, therefore, entice the women into accepting them by peddling a number of pleasantries.

Additionally, Women craved authority and influence at the time. The practice provided a degree of authority and was often beneficial since it offered ways of overcoming some common challenges such as health complications. However, a society limited the liberties of women. As such, some women married male witches thereby inheriting the practice from their old husbands. The practice of witchery thus became a major attraction since it made the women sources of authority; women became both powerful and invincible in the practice.