How has the word "slavery" been used to refer to forms of forced labor (trabalho compulsório) in contemporary Brazil? This strategy has proven effective for moving public opinion, both nationally and internationally, and for supporting the campaign against forced labor. However the decision to call contemporary forced labor "slavery" is historically, methodologically and conceptually equivocal. This strategy does not help achieve a rapid eradication of the problem. Slave labor in its historical sense no longer exists in Brazil, neither on the law books nor as a current practice. Those who are fighting against forced labor are making a mistake when they evoke stereotypes of slavery from the past. Despite thier good intentions. they are, in fact, recreating the figure of slavery in contemporary Brazil.

Brazil Historiographical methodology Slavery Forced labor Legislation

strategic approach South America legislation Brazil slave exploitation