Slave vs. Servant — What's the Difference?

A slave is an individual who is owned by another person and is forced to work without any personal freedom or choice in the matter. They are considered property under the law, and their status is typically inherited or imposed upon them without their consent. On the other hand, a servant is someone who is employed to perform domestic duties or personal attendances for their employer. Servants work by choice, are compensated for their services, and have the freedom to leave their employment.

Slavery involves coercion, severe restrictions on the individual’s autonomy, and often includes abuse and exploitation. It exists across various cultures and eras, historically legal and socially accepted in many societies. Whereas, servitude as a servant is a form of employment agreement, where the individual retains their rights and liberties, often protected by labor laws and contracts that specify working conditions and compensation.

While slaves are not paid for their labor, relying entirely on their owners for basic necessities under conditions that are often inhumane, servants receive wages, benefits, and have defined working hours. This economic distinction underscores the fundamental difference in the nature of their roles and the autonomy they possess or lack thereof.

The relationship between a slave and their owner is marked by power imbalance and lack of consent, with the slave’s life being controlled by the owner. In contrast, a servant's relationship with their employer is contractual and legal, based on mutual agreement and subject to change or termination by either party.

The social status and rights of slaves and servants also differ significantly. Historically, slaves had almost no rights, often subjected to harsh treatment and denied basic human dignities. Servants, while sometimes occupying lower social statuses, retained their legal rights and had access to legal recourse in cases of mistreatment or disputes with employers.