Witch hunts in early modern Europe were extensive and far-reaching. Christina Larner, professor of sociology at the University of Glasgow and influential historian of witchcraft, provides valuable insight into witch trials in early modern Europe in her article "Was the Witch Hunt a Women's Hunt?" ". Larner writes that witchcraft was not gender specific, although it was gender related (Larner, 2002). It cannot be denied that gender played a considerable role in witch hunting in early modern Europe, with women comprising approximately 80 percent of the accused (Larner, 2002). However, it would be remiss not to pay attention to the remaining 20 percent, which represent suspected male witches (Larner, 2002). At that time, the legal definition of a witch included both women and men (Levack, 1987). This essay will explore the various fundamental reasons for this gender difference and highlight particular cases of witchcraft allegations against women and men. These reasons stem from several foundational writings that depict the stereotypical witch as female. These works are misogynistic and present women as morally inferior to men and very vulnerable to the temptations of demons (Levack, 1987). This idea is clearly stated in the text of the “Malleus Maleficarum” written by James Sprenger and Henry Kramer in the late 15th century. This book served as the basis for many witch trials in early modern Europe (Levack, 1987). The text describes women as sexually submissive creatures and, while noting that all witchcraft derives from intense sexual desire, women are therefore a prime candidate for witchcraft (Sprenger and Kramer, 1487). In this era, men are seen as powerful and in control and therefore rarely...... middle of paper ......accused under the guise of being heretics or using healing magic (quote, cite). Additionally, women who were put on trial for allegations of witchcraft in early modern Europe often had a lower socioeconomic status, unlike men who often had a higher socioeconomic status. Indeed, men are often victimized with the aim of achieving financial gain through the confiscation of their property. Witchcraft in early modern Europe can certainly be considered gender-specific, but it was by no means gender-specific (Larner, 2002).ReferencesLarner, C. (2002). Was the witch hunt a hunt for women? The Witchcraft Reader. Levack, B. P. (1987). The Witch Hunt in Early Modern Europe. London: Longman. Monter, W. (2002). The sociology of Jura witchcraft. The Witchcraft Reader. Sprenger, J. & Kramer, H. (1687). Malleus Maleficarum. Cologne.