"Caliban and the Witch" is a book written by Silvia Federici, an Italian-American scholar and activist. In this book, Federici explores the historical development of capitalism and its relationship with gender and colonialism. The title of the book is a reference to the character Caliban from William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest," who symbolizes the colonial other and serves as a metaphor for the subjugation of women. Federici argues that the rise of capitalism in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries was accompanied by the persecution and oppression of women, particularly those labeled as witches. She posits that the witch hunts were not merely a manifestation of religious fanaticism, but a deliberate attempt by the ruling elites to control and discipline women's bodies and labor. According to Federici, the witch hunts served several purposes for the emerging capitalist system.
That’s certainly an inadequate summary of the book, but it is sufficient for asking this one question: how did I not know about this stuff? I was aware of the the witch hunt and heretical movements, of course, and never had the romantic notion that peasants really enjoyed being peasants or that acceptance to Catholic dogma was ever universal but still, it could not be said that I recognized the significance of pre-capitalist social struggle because I was never taught to. While always recognizing the limits of my empirical knowledge, I blithely assumed what I had been instructed to believe throughout my education, sometimes explicitly and sometimes implicitly: the pre-capitalist past, being so far away and belonging to such a different world than our own, does not really have anything to say to you – to assume any such relevance is to do violence to the past, to commit that sin of sins amongst historians, which is, of course, being ahistorical!
In fact, my favorite moment in the entire book came with a quote from Cotton Mather about how he must strive to think holy thoughts while going to the bathroom, so to distance himself from this beastly necessity of all the reasons to not romanticize the intellectual seriousness of Puritans, that has got to be near the top of the list. In an ironic twist of fate and clearly inspired by Charmed and Sabrina the Teenage Witch , my friends and I embraced the idea of magic without fear that the charge of witchcraft would lead to our torture and death.
According to Federici, the witch hunts served several purposes for the emerging capitalist system. Firstly, they were a means of enforcing strict gender norms and punishing any form of female autonomy or resistance. Women who defied societal expectations or challenged patriarchal authority were branded as witches and subjected to horrific torture and execution.
Caliban and the Witch
A cult classic since its publication in the early years of this century, Caliban and the Witch is Silvia Federici's history of the body in the transition to capitalism. Moving from the peasant revolts of the late Middle Ages through the European witch-hunts, the rise of scientific rationalism and the colonisation of the Americas, it gives a panoramic account of the often horrific violence with which the unruly human material of pre-capitalist societies was transformed into a set of predictable and controllable mechanisms. It Is a study of indigenous traditions crushed, of the enclosure of women's reproductive powers within the nuclear family, and of how our modern world was forged in blood.
'Rewarding . . . allows us to better understand the intimate relationship between modern patriarchy, the rise of the nation state and the transition from feudalism to capitalism' Guardian
Secondly, Federici argues that the witch hunts played a crucial role in the expropriation of communal lands and resources. By labeling women as witches and accusing them of practicing black magic, the Church and the ruling classes were able to demonize traditional healing practices and knowledge, paving the way for the medicalization and privatization of healthcare. Furthermore, Federici contends that the mass killings of witches were a key mechanism for the accumulation of wealth during the period of primitive accumulation. By systematically targeting and eradicating women who were seen as a threat to the emerging capitalist system, the ruling classes were able to reinforce their power and consolidate their control over resources. Overall, "Caliban and the Witch" offers a powerful analysis of the ways in which gender oppression, capitalism, and colonialism are interlinked. Through a meticulous examination of historical records, Federici reveals the hidden foundations of modern capitalism and exposes the violence and systemic inequality that underpin its development. Throughout the book, Federici argues that the witch hunts were not an isolated event of the past, but rather a continuation of the ongoing oppression of women. She connects the persecution of witches to contemporary issues such as violence against women, reproductive rights, and the exploitation of labor. "Caliban and the Witch" is a thought-provoking and important contribution to feminist theory and the study of capitalism. It challenges traditional narratives of history and provides a new framework for understanding the relationship between gender, capitalism, and colonialism..
Reviews for "The Witch as a Tool of Capitalist Control: Silvia Federici's Caliban and the Witch and the Destruction of Community"
1. Jane - 2 stars
"Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federici was a disappointment for me. While the book is praised for its analysis of capitalism and patriarchy, I found it to be overly theoretical and lacking real-life examples or solutions. The author's arguments were often convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard for me to fully grasp her points. Additionally, as someone who is not well-versed in Marxist theory, I felt excluded and unable to fully engage with the book. Overall, I was left unsatisfied with this read.
2. Mark - 1 star
I regret reading "Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federici. The book presented a one-sided view of history, focusing solely on the negatives of capitalism and completely ignoring any potential benefits of the system. I found the author's analysis to be biased and lacking a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding issues of labor, gender, and power. Furthermore, the book was filled with jargon and dense academic language that made it inaccessible to a wider audience. Overall, it was an unenjoyable and unenlightening read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federici failed to live up to its hype. While the underlying concept of exploring the relationship between capitalism and witch persecutions intrigued me, the execution fell flat. The author's writing style was dry and repetitive, making it difficult to maintain interest throughout the book. Additionally, I felt that Federici's arguments were steeped in ideological bias, lacking a balanced examination of historical events and factors. It was a tedious read that left me wanting more substantial and well-presented analysis.
4. Michael - 3 stars
I had high hopes for "Caliban and the Witch" by Silvia Federici, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. While the book presents an interesting perspective on the historic treatment of women under capitalism, I found the author's arguments to be overly abstract and disconnected from concrete evidence. Federici often makes sweeping generalizations without providing sufficient examples or supporting evidence, leaving me questioning the validity of her claims. Additionally, the book could have benefited from a more concise and focused approach, as it often felt scattered and repetitive. Overall, it was an average read that left me desiring a more thorough and rigorous analysis.