👩‍👩‍👦intro to sociology review

Debt bondage

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Debt bondage is a form of modern slavery where an individual is forced to work to repay a debt, but the terms are such that repayment of the loan is impossible or never-ending. It is prevalent in various forms around the world, contributing significantly to global inequality.

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