The Sociology of Slavery: Black Society in Jamaica , 1655-1838

Orlando Patterson's classic study of slavery in Jamaica reveals it as a highly repressive and destructive system of human exploitation that disregarded and distorted basic social prerequisites. He analyzes the lives and culture of slaves, showing a breakdown of all major social institutions and a persistent sense of resentment and injustice. This second edition includes a new introduction by Patterson, making it an essential text for understanding the role of slavery in shaping the modern world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

Orlando Patterson's seminal work on slavery in Jamaica provides a comprehensive and harrowing account of this brutal system of human exploitation. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling,Patterson exposes slavery for what it truly was: a repressive and destructive force that disregarded and distorted nearly all the fundamental elements of normal social life.

What sets Patterson's account apart is his detailed portrayal of the lives and culture of slaves under this oppressive regime. He delves into the harsh conditions of slave life and work on the plantations,examining the psychological toll that this system took on its victims. He also explores the patterns and meanings of life and death within the slave community,revealing the profound impact that slavery had on their existence.

Patterson's analysis reveals that the real-life situation of slaves and enslavers involved a complete breakdown of all major social institutions,including the family,gender relations,religion,trust,and morality. Despite the repressiveness and protracted genocide of the regime,slaves managed to maintain a sense of their own identity and culture. Slave culture,characterized by a persistent sense of resentment and injustice,underpinned the day-to-day resistance and large-scale rebellions that were a constant feature of slave society.

One of the most significant aspects of Patterson's work is his recognition of the resilience and adaptability of slaves. Despite being forced to conform to white norms and expectations,slaves refused to surrender their cultural heritage and traditions. They developed their own language, music, and art, which served as a means of resistance and self-expression. This cultural resistance played a crucial role in the eventual abolition of slavery,as it highlighted the humanity and dignity of the enslaved.

In this second edition of his book, Patterson includes a new introduction that provides insights into the origins of the work,appraises subsequent scholarship on Jamaican slavery,and reflects on its enduring relevance. Widely recognized as a foundational work on the social institution of slavery,this book is an essential text for anyone interested in understanding the role of slavery in shaping the modern world.

Patterson's work serves as a reminder of the profound impact that slavery had on the lives of millions of individuals and the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. It highlights the need for continued education and awareness about the history of slavery and its legacy,as well as the ongoing fight against discrimination and oppression in all its forms.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509550982