According to Kottak, in peasant communities, people who stand out economically, especially if they seem to be benefitting at the expense of others, often face accusations of . In this case, the accusations:a. reduce status differences b. bring standouts in line with community norms c. are a form of social control

Explanation:

Anthropologists understand witchcraft as the process of practicing supernatural elements like magic to create social conflict and threaten social order.

Witchcraft as a means of social control is a prevalent means of control which occurs in many societies, especially in backward and less privileged ones. According to Kottak, in peasant communities, people who stand out economically, especially if they seem to be benefiting at the expense of others, often face accusations of witchcraft. They are accused of such accusations because of jealousy and fear. They think that if a certain influential or economically powerful person is being labelled as a witch, it will reduce his/her reputation and will eventually bring down his status and influence in the society.

This phenomenon of accusing individuals who standout in the society is a means of social control.

what is the answer