Slavery

Slavery, published in 1958, explores four main types of modern slavery, including chattel slavery, the sale of women into marriage, the sale of children into work and prostitution, and serfdom, and outlines the history of the anti-slavery movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Slavery, first published in 1958, delves into four primary forms of modern slavery: chattel slavery, the sale of women into marriage, the sale of children into labor and prostitution, and serfdom. Mr. Greenidge, a Director of the Anti-Slavery Society, presents a remarkable compilation of findings on modern slavery, while also tracing the history of the anti-slavery movement.

Chattel slavery, a system of forced labor in which individuals are treated as property and sold or exchanged as commodities, is one of the most heinous forms of modern slavery. It has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient times, and has been practiced in various parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Chattel slavery was characterized by the ownership of one or more individuals by another person or group, who could then use them for labor, sexual exploitation, or other purposes.

One of the most notable features of chattel slavery was the extreme brutality and exploitation that its victims faced. Slaves were often subjected to harsh working conditions, including long hours, backbreaking labor, and physical abuse. They were also denied basic human rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and the right to own property. In addition to the physical suffering, slaves were also subjected to psychological and emotional abuse, including mental torture, branding, and sexual violence.

Despite the abolition of slavery in many parts of the world, chattel slavery continues to exist in some regions today. In fact, according to the United Nations, there are still an estimated 21 to 29 million slaves in the world today, with the majority of them living in Africa. Chattel slavery is often perpetuated by poverty, political instability, and cultural beliefs that support the exploitation of others.

The sale of women into marriage is another form of modern slavery that is prevalent in many parts of the world. In this practice, women are sold or exchanged for money or other goods, often with the consent of their families or communities. Women who are sold into marriage are often subjected to extreme violence and exploitation, including forced labor, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. They are also often denied basic human rights, such as the right to education, healthcare, and freedom of movement.

The sale of children into work and prostitution is another form of modern slavery that is particularly prevalent in developing countries. In this practice, children are forced to work in factories, mines, or other hazardous environments, often for long hours and for very little pay. They are also subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse, and are at high risk of contracting diseases and other health problems.

Serfdom is a form of modern slavery that is still practiced in some parts of the world, particularly in Eastern Europe. In this practice, individuals are bound to the land and forced to work for their masters or landowners. They are denied basic human rights, such as the right to own property, and are often subjected to extreme poverty and exploitation.

The history of the anti-slavery movement is a long and complex one, dating back to the 18th century. It was driven by a growing awareness of the brutalities and exploitation that slaves faced and by the desire to end this practice. The movement was led by a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including abolitionists, religious leaders, and political activists.

One of the most notable figures in the anti-slavery movement was William Wilberforce, a British politician who led the campaign to abolish slavery in the British Empire. Wilberforce was a devout Christian who believed that slavery was incompatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ. He spent years lobbying parliament and working with other politicians and activists to build support for the abolition of slavery.

Despite the efforts of Wilberforce and other abolitionists, the abolition of slavery in the British Empire took many years. In 1807, the British Parliament passed the Slave Trade Act, which banned the trade of slaves between Britain and other countries. However, it did not immediately end slavery in Britain itself, as it did not address the issue of slavery in the colonies.

It was not until 1833 that slavery was finally abolished in Britain, with the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act. This act abolished slavery in all of Britain's colonies and territories, and paved the way for the abolition of slavery in other parts of the world.

The abolition of slavery was a significant victory for the anti-slavery movement, but it was not the end of the struggle for human rights. The movement continued to work to address other forms of human rights, such as discrimination, inequality, and poverty. Today, the anti-slavery movement is still active in many parts of the world, working to raise awareness of modern slavery and to advocate for the rights of its victims.

In conclusion, slavery is a heinous form of modern slavery that has a long and complex history. It has been practiced in various parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and has been characterized by extreme brutality and exploitation. Chattel slavery, the sale of women into marriage, the sale of children into labor and prostitution, and serfdom are all forms of modern slavery that continue to exist in some regions today. The anti-slavery movement has played a significant role in the abolition of slavery in many parts of the world, but the struggle for human rights continues to be a global one. We must continue to work together to address the root the issues of modern slavery and to advocate for the rights of its victims.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032313344