What is the term for slavery where children inherit the status of their enslaved parents?

The term for slavery where children inherit the status of their enslaved parents is known as descent-based slavery. This form of slavery is characterized by the practice in which the offspring of enslaved individuals are automatically born into the same condition of slavery, perpetuating a cycle that can last for generations. This system often strips individuals of their freedom and rights based on ancestry, ensuring that the status of being enslaved is passed down.

Descent-based slavery can have profound implications on social structures, economic systems, and individual lives, as it creates a hereditary class of slaves. This contrasts with other forms of slavery or labor that might not involve hereditary components, such as child labor or forced apprenticeship, which do not necessarily imply that the children of laborers are destined to the same kinds of labor due to their parentage. Understanding this term is crucial when discussing the historical and social implications of slavery and exploitation in various contexts.