Media and Witchcraft Accusation in Northern Ghana
A Study of the Dagomba Community
In: Secular StudiesSearch for other papers by Leo Igwe in
Current site
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Abstract
There has been a growing visibility of witchcraft beliefs in the African media. The dominant paradigm in the academic literature on witchcraft is that the media reinforce witchcraft beliefs by disseminating information and ideas that are related to witchcraft accusations and witch hunting. However, a careful examination shows that this is not always the case because the media serve other counter purposes. Using ethnographic data from the Dagomba area in Northern Ghana and the concept of forum shopping, this paper explores how accused persons in the Dagomba communities utilize the limited media coverage to enhance their responses to witchcraft accusations. Apart from disseminating information regarding the activities of assumed witches, the media publicize perspectives that reject witchcraft notions.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 511 | 95 | 19 |
| Full Text Views | 67 | 7 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 136 | 15 | 4 |
Media and Witchcraft Accusation in Northern Ghana
A Study of the Dagomba Community
In: Secular StudiesSearch for other papers by Leo Igwe in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
There has been a growing visibility of witchcraft beliefs in the African media. The dominant paradigm in the academic literature on witchcraft is that the media reinforce witchcraft beliefs by disseminating information and ideas that are related to witchcraft accusations and witch hunting. However, a careful examination shows that this is not always the case because the media serve other counter purposes. Using ethnographic data from the Dagomba area in Northern Ghana and the concept of forum shopping, this paper explores how accused persons in the Dagomba communities utilize the limited media coverage to enhance their responses to witchcraft accusations. Apart from disseminating information regarding the activities of assumed witches, the media publicize perspectives that reject witchcraft notions.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 511 | 95 | 19 |
| Full Text Views | 67 | 7 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 136 | 15 | 4 |
