Slavery and its characteristics

Abstract

Though slavery as a social institution had been part and parcel of almost all human societies for a time immemorial, the concept lacks a proper foregrounding and all-encompassing definition. Similarly, most literature tend to have overlooked the major characteristics of slavery as the concept was in most cases impliedly treated. Using written documents and qualitative research methodology, this paper brings out the major features of slavery and its varying perspectives from one African society to another. It also examines some conceptual issues revolving around the meaning, forms, roles and challenges associated with the concept of slavery. This paper finds out that though slaves were highly persecuted by slave owners aside the deprivation of all their rights, Islam and other African societies provided some basic ‘rights’ to people that are enslaved. These include rights to marry, or even own properties as the case may be.