enslaving

Enslaving refers to the practice of owning another human being as property. In this system, individuals are forced to labor without compensation and are deprived of their fundamental rights and freedoms. The enslaved person is subject to the absolute will of their enslaver, who can buy, sell, or inherit them. Historically, enslaving has taken many forms across diverse cultures and time periods, often justified by notions of racial, ethnic, or religious superiority, economic necessity, or as a consequence of warfare and debt.

The vast majority of enslaved people were subjected to brutal conditions, including physical and sexual violence, forced migration, and the destruction of family ties. The economic systems of many societies, particularly those reliant on large-scale agriculture, were built upon the unpaid labor of enslaved individuals. Resistance to enslavement has been a persistent feature throughout history, manifesting in various ways, from subtle acts of defiance to organized rebellions.

The abolition of enslaving movements gained significant momentum in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to the eventual outlawing of the practice in most parts of the world. Despite this, contemporary forms of enslavement, often referred to as modern slavery or human trafficking, continue to exist globally, involving forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of severe human rights abuses. International efforts are ongoing to combat and eradicate these practices.