The simple answer is no, not all witch hunts were strictly about witches in the traditional sense. While many witch hunts were indeed centered around the persecution of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft, there were often deeper social, political, and cultural factors at play.
Historically, witch hunts can be seen as a reflection of societal fears and anxieties. In many cases, those accused of being witches were marginalized individuals—often women, but sometimes men as well—who stood out for various reasons: they were outspoken, lived outside of societal norms, or held knowledge that others did not. The labeling of someone as a witch often served to scapegoat them for larger societal problems or personal grievances.
Additionally, witch hunts have been used as tools of oppression and control. Authorities may have leveraged accusations of witchcraft to consolidate power, instill fear, or distract the populace from more pressing issues. Thus, while the narrative involved witches, the underlying motivations frequently went beyond a genuine belief in the supernatural.
In summary, while witch hunts typically involve the concept of witchcraft, they are often more complex phenomena that intersect with various aspects of the society in which they occur, reflecting fears, conflicts, and power struggles rather than a singular focus on witches themselves.