Introduction
Slavery is a dark page in the history book of our world. The idea of inequality and the divided nature of society persisted in the earlier ages. Since the beginning of time, people were often used as a currency. Nowadays the practices have changed, and we, as humanity traveled a long road towards the civilized society in which we live now. Despite that fact, the echoes of the past can still be heard today, and modern people still remember the times of racial oppression, which gives the history of slavery a peculiar significance in the present day.
Literature Review
Several works of historians may be of assistance to the present study. The research of the history of slavery in Africa from the earliest of times till the present day conducted by Lovejoy (2011) could be one of them. In his book, the author argues that religion, politics, and the economy of different countries affected the slave trade in Africa, which also influenced the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples on the continent. This book may be used as a general source of information for the periodization of slavery and the milestones of change in politics and economy of the slave trade in the world.
Another prominent work in the field of slavery is performed by Keizer (2004). The author argues that slavery is a significant catalyst of the tense relationship between the black and white population. The former and the latter both are sometimes prejudiced against each other, which is influenced by the history of slavery. One of the major controversies about the topic is the degree of the subject’s coverage. While historians such as Morrison state that slavery is largely omitted in the historic texts, others like Lovejoy and Keizer find this point of view slightly untrue (Keizer 2004; Lovejoy, 2011). Both sides, however, agree that the topic needs extensive coverage and comprehensive effort.
Methodology
One of the primary methods of gathering information will be a systematic review. The sources that will be used for the study will include reputable history books, peer-reviewed articles, online databases, etc. The sources will be selected on the principles of relevance to the topic of slavery, its history, contemporary representations, and influences. Data analysis will be largely qualitative as the aim of the study is to explore the phenomenon of slavery in its application to the present time. However, quantitative data analysis might also be of help as an interview of contemporary people, and their opinion on slavery can significantly support the study’s relevance.
Work Plan
The research will be designed as a three-stage project. The first stage will consist of literary data collection. The second one will be the development of surveys for peers to collect quantitative data. The third stage will focus on data analysis, comparison.
Results and Implications
As a result, the study should provide comprehensive information on the influence of slavery and its history on the contemporary world and its people. The study will also develop an adequate periodization of the world’s history of slavery. The study will contribute to filling the knowledge gap in studies of slavery and experiences of the black population, who have suffered from this phenomenon the most. The results of the study will probably indicate ways to alleviate the negative influence of slavery on today’s world.
References
Keizer, A. R. (2004). Black subjects: Identity formation in the contemporary narrative of slavery. New York, NY: Cornell University Press.
Lovejoy, P. E. (2011). Transformations in slavery: A history of slavery in Africa (Vol. 117). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.