Reckoning with Slavery: Gender, Kinship, and Capitalism in the Early Black Atlantic

In her book "Reckoning with Slavery," Jennifer L. Morgan explores how enslaved African women in the Black Atlantic were treated as commodities and subject to rape, separation from kin, and enslavement of their children. Morgan demonstrates how Western notions of value and race developed simultaneously, denying enslaved people their kinship and affective ties while relying on kinship to reproduce and enforce slavery.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2021
Publisher: Duke University Press

In her groundbreaking work, "In Reckoning with Slavery," Jennifer L. Morgan delves into the profound and harrowing experiences of enslaved African women during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Through the lens of their lived experiences, Morgan uncovers the intricate contours of early modern notions of trade, race, and commodification in the Black Atlantic. From their capture to their transport to their sale, these women were dehumanized and treated as commodities, subjected to a range of brutalities, including rape, separation from their families, and the enslavement of their children upon birth.

In this context, Morgan highlights the central role that enslaved African women played in the binding of reproductive labor with kinship, racial hierarchy, and the economics of slavery. These women were not mere objects or tools but were integral to the very fabric of the slave system. Their experiences and struggles shed light on the complex and interconnected systems of power that shaped the lives of millions of individuals during this period.

One of the key insights that Morgan offers in her study is the simultaneous development of Western notions of value and race. She demonstrates how these notions were intertwined and mutually reinforcing, shaping the perceptions and treatment of enslaved African women. Racial capitalism, in particular, played a significant role in denying the enslaved their kinship and affective ties while simultaneously relying on kinship to reproduce and enforce slavery through enslaved female bodies.

Through her meticulous research and analysis, Morgan provides a powerful critique of the historical and cultural narratives that have perpetuated the myth of racial equality and the benevolent nature of slavery. She challenges the notion that slavery was a bygone era and instead presents a vivid and disturbing account of the ongoing legacy of slavery and its impact on contemporary society.

"In Reckoning with Slavery" is a seminal work that demands attention and reflection from scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted history of slavery. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the enslaved African women who endured unimaginable hardships and fought for their freedom and dignity.

In conclusion, "In Reckoning with Slavery" is a groundbreaking work that offers a profound and nuanced understanding of the experiences of enslaved African women during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Through the lens of their lived experiences, Morgan reveals the intricate contours of early modern notions of trade, race, and commodification in the Black Atlantic. By challenging the dominant narratives and exposing the brutalities of slavery, she provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478013235