Witchcraft and Envy: Shaping Norms in Mauritius

Ever wondered how supernatural beliefs shape our behavior and social norms? Let's take a look at witchcraft in Mauritius. A recent study found that people believe witchcraft is fueled by envy, and this belief can enforce social rules about not causing envy. In the first study, involving 445 participants, researchers discovered that both practicing witchcraft and being driven by envy or self-interest make people see harm. These motivations also make people more likely to think someone is practicing witchcraft, with envy having a stronger effect. Believing someone is a witch makes others view them negatively and damages their reputation. In the second study, with 292 participants, when someone breaks a norm about causing envy, people think any following bad luck is due to witchcraft, not God. But if someone acts selfishly, the bad luck is seen as God's doing, not witchcraft. This shows that witchcraft beliefs, not religious ones, push people to follow rules about preventing envy. So, witchcraft beliefs can support local social norms, which might differ from those backed by religion. Isn't that fascinating? It makes you think about how our beliefs shape our communities and behaviors.