Chattelism

/ˈtʃætəlɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A system or ideology that treats people or things as chattels (moveable property); the practice of reducing beings to property status.

Etymology

From chattel plus the suffix -ism, which creates nouns describing systems, ideologies, or movements. The -ism suffix typically indicates a belief system or organized practice.

Kelly Says

Chattelism as an -ism word is rare but powerful—it names slavery as a systematic ideology rather than individual cruelty. Scholars use it to show how language formalized entire economic and social systems around dehumanization.

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