Chattelism is a noun that refers to a system or practice in which people or individuals are treated as property or chattel, being subject to ownership and control by others. Also known as chattel slavery, it involves the ownership of individuals as personal property, bought, sold, and owned by other individuals or groups.
The term "chattelism" primarily emerged in the context of historical societies where slavery was widely practiced, particularly during the transatlantic slave trade era. Chattelism involved the forced labor, exploitation, and control of individuals who were considered as mere possessions, lacking legal rights or autonomy.
Under chattelism, slaves were treated as movable property, similar to livestock or inanimate objects. They were denied fundamental human rights, such as freedom, dignity, and self-determination. Slaves were subjected to oppressive conditions, forced labor, and often faced physical and psychological abuse at the hands of their owners.
Chattelism stood in stark contrast to the principles of equality, liberty, and respect for individual rights that are central to modern democratic societies. The abolitionist movement and the efforts of individuals and organizations advocating for justice and human rights played a crucial role in challenging and eventually eradicating chattelism in many parts of the world.
In contemporary usage, "chattelism" may also be used metaphorically to describe situations where people are exploited or treated as objects, lacking agency or dignity. This broader sense can apply to various forms of exploitation or commodification, such as human trafficking or other forms of modern-day slavery.
