Few people view slavery as a contemporary social issue, but
rather comprehend it as an unfortunate institution of the past that was
remedied through positive legislative action.
Yet despite a worldwide spate of emancipation proclamations,
parliamentary decrees, and a host of judicial pronouncements, the ubiquitous
institution of slavery persists in the modern world. Estimates today suggest that as many as
twenty-seven million persons may be the victims of modern-day slavery or other
forms of unfree labor.
Contemporary slaves are seemingly invisible people who are
generally the most marginalized in society.
Typically women, children, and migrant workers are those who most
readily fall into the trap of modern-day slavery. Nor is the problem one that is only limited
to the nations of the developing world – slaves can be found within the
cities of modern, industrialized nations where the promise of opportunity and
empowerment are empty promises to the indiscernible subculture of those who are
kept in bondage.
This path-breaking reference work is designed to explore the
shadow world of modern slavery to bring to light a contemporary social crisis
of immense proportions. The encyclopedia
will feature articles that highlight the individuals and organizations that
combat modern slavery, key concepts that are related to the institution,
specific legislative and judicial actions that have addressed the issue, and
country studies that examine the extent to which contemporary slavery
persists.
SCOPE
This two volume 500,000-word
encyclopedia will cover the history of modern slavery from the late-nineteenth
century to the present. Entries will
consist of specific individuals, organizations, incidents, concepts, thematic
essays, and country studies of contemporary slavery.
Entries
will be 500 too 1,000 words in length and extensively cross-referenced, and bibliographic
citations will be included for further exploration of each topic. An introductory essay of 10,000 words will
give an overview of modern slavery in world history, and back matter will
consist of a documents set, a general subject index,
and a brief chronology of world slavery since the late-nineteenth century. The volume will contain approximately 100
illustrations.