What is dept peonage?

Answer 1

Debt peonage is a system in which individuals are forced to work to pay off a debt, often under conditions that make it nearly impossible to escape the cycle of indebtedness. This practice can lead to exploitation, as workers may be subjected to poor working conditions and minimal pay, effectively trapping them in a state of servitude. It has historical roots in various forms of coerced labor, notably in the United States after the Civil War, where it was used to control and exploit marginalized populations. Debt peonage is now considered a violation of human rights and is illegal in many countries.