Slavery and unfree labour
The study of slavery and unfree labour includes a range of disciplines and subject fields. These include history, politics, law, archaeology, sociology, psychology, literature and the arts.
The Slavery & Unfree Labour research theme is led by Dr Bruce Pinnington.
The very act of defining slavery or slavery-like practices is itself a deeply political act. This is reflected in the incorporation of ‘unfree labour’ in this theme, widening the conversation to encompass those engaged with research around exploitation in the labour market.
The University is home to a wealth of research into different periods and examples of slavery and unfree labour. These range from the classical era through empire to contemporary instances of forced labour or human trafficking; from the study of slavery and slavery-like practices, to the investigation of the impacts and legacies of these practices.
The University benefits greatly from its unique relationship with the International Slavery Museum (ISM), with which it has collaborated since 2006 through the jointly run research centre: the Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS).
Slavery & unfree labour research theme brochure
To mark Anti-Slavery Day (18 October) 2020, we published a review of the projects undertaken within, and colleagues contributing to, the theme: You can learn more about the brochure and download it here.
Keep up to date with all the Slavery & Unfree Labour theme news here.
Implications of COVID-19 for modern slavery challenges in supply chain management
Exploring the challenges faced by firms in addressing modern slavery in corporate supply chains during the pandemic.
Centre for the Study of International Slavery
The Centre, created in partnership with National Museums Liverpool, supports and shares leading research about enslavement and its legacies.
Antislavery and human trafficking
Combating slavery in Sub-Saharan Africa by exploring how arts & humanities can shift antislavery efforts towards a more community-engaged focus.
The racial underpinnings of the US penitentiary system
The modern the mass imprisonment of African American men stems from a policy that is much older, this report reveals.
International Slavery Museum
A unique museum looking at aspects of historical & contemporary slavery, as well as an international hub for resources on human rights issues.
People
Meet some of the researchers working in the Slavery and Unfree Labour research theme.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences research themes
Discover the other research themes