§ 2. [Use of the term “slavery” in theoretical literature] 6
Theorists agree that the chief characteristic of slavery consists in this, that the slave is the “property” or “possession” of his master.
§ 3. [Definition for scientific use] 7
We want a sociologically practical definition 7.—The function of slavery is a division of labour 7.—Voluntary and compulsory labour 7.—The slave the property of his master and compelled to work 8.—“Property” implies compulsory labour 8.—Our definition. Its advantages 9.
§ 4. [Distinction of slavery from kindred phenomena]. I Wives in an abject condition 9
“Slavery of women” as spoken of by ethnographers and theorists 9.—Condition of women among the Australian aborigines. Bad, but not so much so as has sometimes been supposed 10.—Division of labour between the sexes not always so unreasonable as at first sight it seems 22.—Wives in an abject condition show much resemblance to slaves, but are not slaves, as their chief function is that of wives and mothers 24.—Slavery proper does not exist when there are none but female slaves 25. [[VIII]]
§ 5. [Distinction of slavery from kindred phenomena]. II Children subjected to the head of the family 26
Treatment of children among savages; Dr. Steinmetz’s investigations 26—Patria potestas and potestas dominica 28.—Children, though entirely subjected to their father, are not slaves, as they occupy quite another place in the social system 28.—Adopted children sometimes difficult to distinguish from slaves 29.—Slavery only exists beyond the limits of the family proper 30.
§ 6. [Distinction of slavery from kindred phenomena]. III Members of a society in their relation to the head of the community 30
The subjects “slaves of the king” 30.—A king has never a right of property over his subjects 31.—Penal servitude occurs in many countries where slavery does not exist 32.—“Property” better than “possession” 32.