This note argues that while the study of witchcraft beliefs and traditional beliefs more generally has a relatively long tradition, there are three differences between the studies conducted at the beginning of the 20th century and the contemporary ones. These three differences concern 1

1. whether the persistence/pervasiveness of such beliefs is the product of material conditions, ideational factors or a combination of the two;
2. the relationship between religion and traditional beliefs (including witchcraft beliefs) and, finally,
3. the socio-political consequences of these beliefs

The note can be found here: journalofsocialsciences.org/vol7no2/a-note-on-witchcraft-beliefs/