Gender roles and expectations: Puritan society in Salem adhered to strict gender roles and expectations. Women were expected to be pious, subservient, and obedient to men. Any deviation from these norms could be seen as suspicious and potentially indicative of witchcraft.
Economic and property issues: Women often had limited access to property and economic opportunities in Puritan society. As a result, some may have been vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft as a way for others to gain control of their property or resources.
Heir disputes and conflicts: Property disputes and conflicts over inheritance were common in Salem. Accusations of witchcraft could be used as a means of settling these disputes or eliminating rivals.
Marginalized and vulnerable women: Women who were already marginalized or vulnerable, such as widows, single women, or those with unconventional beliefs or behaviors, may have been more likely to be targeted.
Power dynamics and social control: Accusations of witchcraft provided a means of social control, allowing the community to maintain its religious and social order by punishing those who deviated from the norm.
Fear and hysteria: The Salem witch trials were fueled by a climate of fear and hysteria, which led to a snowball effect of accusations and increased the vulnerability of women to being targeted.
Influence of religious beliefs and superstitions: Puritan society was deeply religious, with a strong belief in the existence of witchcraft and the Devil. This created an environment where accusations of witchcraft were taken seriously and could easily escalate.