Paternalism and Slavery

Paternalism and Slavery


The slaves in early America were far better off than many of the factory workers during the same time period. In exchange for food, clothing, and healthcare, which the slaveholders provided the slaves, slaves were expected to give their labor and obedience in return. Slaveholders saw themselves as custodians of the welfare of society as a whole and the black families who depend on them. Is this really what happened? The Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass gives the reader an excellent example of how life was for a slave. Frederick did not look at his masters as paternal figures as most of the slaves did. In general, there are things that slaveholders did to act as parents or caretakers such as giving their slaves food, clothing, and even at times working for rewards. There are also many instances that Douglass narrates where slaveholders act like horrible, inhumane animals. Overall, there is a sense of paternalism at times on the planta...