From salaried slavery to modern slavery. Valuation in student historical and identity formation

Abstract

Introduction: Slavery, as a social phenomenon of human subjugation, persists today in more subtle forms. The historical trauma suffered by enslaved Africans has not been radically overcome, necessitating an educational approach to transform the established culture and contribute to the critique of racism and social exclusion. Materials and methods: Historical research methods were employed: historical memory, documentary research in archives and digital repositories (including slave sales advertisements from the Papel Periódico de La Habana between 1790 and 1864), interviews with specialists, and analysis of newspaper sources. The documentary sample included 15 primary and secondary sources, as well as reports from the ILO and IOM. Results: Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Africa lost more than one hundred million people to the slave trade. Currently, more than 40 million people live in modern slavery (forced labor, forced marriages, sexual exploitation). The legal abolition of slavery did not eliminate exploitation or its psychological consequences. The results coincide with the arguments of Sierra, García, Romay, and Iglesias Utset, demonstrating that legal abolition did not eliminate practices of domination. The lack of effective controls, education, and adequate legal frameworks favors the persistence of modern slavery. Conclusions: Historical slavery and its modern forms constitute a permanent violation of human rights. It is essential to deepen the historical study of slavery in student education to develop an anti-racist consciousness and a commitment to defending human rights.