W. E. B. Du Bois

North as well as South, the Negroes have emerged from slavery into a serfdom of poverty and restricted rights.

American Writer

Understand that serfdom is a historical concept representing an outdated social system.

Historical Significance

Remember that serfs did not choose their status; it was forced upon them.

Non-Voluntary

Serfdom involved serfs getting protection from lords in exchange for their services.

Protection Exchange

The modern use of 'serfdom' can be metaphorical to describe oppressive labor conditions.

Metaphorical Use

Serfdom can be used hyperbolically to emphasize feelings of exploitation in work.

Hyperbolic Sense

Modern 'serfdom' often critiques a system that severely restricts workers' rights.

Critique of System

 "This is rubbish. Serfdom had already been abolished in 1861." "And replaced by something worse. The factory bosses treated the people far worse than their former feudal landlords. And unlike the landlords, they were always there.