Peonage: meaning, definitions and examples

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peonage

 

[ ˈpiːənɪdʒ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

system of labor exploitation

Peonage is a system where laborers are forced to work in order to pay off debts or other obligations. It often involves low wages, poor working conditions, and little to no freedom for the workers.

Synonyms

bondage, serfdom, slavery

Examples of usage

  • Many migrants in the early 20th century were trapped in peonage, working in fields with little hope of ever paying off their debts.
  • Peonage was declared illegal in the United States in 1867, but continued in various forms for many years.
Context #2 | Noun

unfair labor practices

Peonage can also refer to any situation where workers are exploited or treated unfairly by their employers, often through low wages, long hours, and dangerous working conditions.

Synonyms

exploitation, forced labor, oppression

Examples of usage

  • The company was accused of practicing peonage, forcing employees to work overtime without pay and in unsafe conditions.
  • Many labor unions were formed to fight against peonage and improve working conditions for workers.

Translations

Translations of the word "peonage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peonagem

🇮🇳 नौकरगिरी (naukargiri)

🇩🇪 Pachtarbeit

🇮🇩 perbudakan utang

🇺🇦 пейонаж

🇵🇱 dług niewolniczy

🇯🇵 債務奴隷 (saimu dorei)

🇫🇷 peonage

🇪🇸 peonaje

🇹🇷 peonaj

🇰🇷 채무 노예 (chaemu noye)

🇸🇦 عبودية الدين (ʿubūdiyyat al-dayn)

🇨🇿 dluhové otroctví

🇸🇰 dlhové otroctvo

🇨🇳 债务奴役 (zhàiwù núyì)

🇸🇮 dolžniško suženjstvo

🇮🇸 skuldaverk

🇰🇿 қарыз құлдығы (qaryz quldygy)

🇬🇪 პეონაჟი (peonaži)

🇦🇿 borc köləliyi

🇲🇽 peonaje

Etymology

The term 'peonage' originated in the United States in the late 19th century, derived from the Spanish word 'peon', meaning a laborer or unskilled worker. Peonage was widely practiced in the South after the Civil War, especially in agriculture and mining, where workers were often trapped in cycles of debt and servitude. The practice was eventually outlawed, but variations of peonage continue to exist in different forms around the world.