The term describes forms of work undertaken involuntarily, under threat, duress, or other forms of compulsion. This includes systems like slavery, serfdom, indentured servitude, and other arrangements where individuals are forced to labor against their will, often with little or no compensation. A key characteristic is the absence of free choice; individuals are compelled to work due to force, law, or other coercive measures. For example, the encomienda system in Spanish colonial America, where indigenous populations were forced to work for Spanish landowners, is a relevant illustration.
Understanding the concept is crucial for analyzing power dynamics, social structures, and economic systems throughout global history. It reveals the exploitation inherent in many historical societies and the ways in which certain groups were systematically subjugated and denied basic human rights. Examination of this practice illuminates the development of global trade networks, agricultural production, and the rise and fall of empires. The prevalence and impact of this practice provide important context for understanding social hierarchies, resistance movements, and lasting legacies of inequality.
