ABSTRACT
The term 'serfdom' is applied in different ways by specialists in research to the varied concrete phenomena presented by the social arrangements found in different forms of culture. In the cases available for examination in real life the distinction between bondservice and slavery is, in fact, often difficult to draw when social grading is not clearly defined. The difference between serfdom and slavery is, however, fairly generally recognized, for by serfdom is understood a much looser and less individually emphasized state of dependency of a whole stratum on a superior, aristocratic class. The lot of the slaves is not hard, but they rank below the serfs in social estimation and differ from them in that they can be sold or given away at their owner's discretion. These slaves must not be mistaken for bondmen.
