Sharecropping

Real World Example

During Reconstruction, sharecropping became a common system in the Southern United States, allowing freed slaves and poor white farmers to work land owned by others in exchange for a portion of the crops. This system responded to the need for agricultural labor and economic survival after the Civil War, as many people had no land or money. However, sharecropping often trapped workers in a cycle of debt and poverty, as they had to borrow against future crops for supplies. Today, the concept of sharecropping relates to modern gig economy jobs, where workers might not have job security or benefits and depend on temporary contracts. Just like sharecroppers, gig workers, such as delivery drivers or freelancers, may struggle with financial stability and lack control over their work conditions.