What constitutes peonage?

Peonage refers specifically to a system where individuals are compelled to work to pay off debts, essentially tying their labor to their financial obligations. This form of servitude often arises when a person is unable to pay a debt and is then required to work without adequate compensation, perpetuating their indebtedness. While other forms of labor, such as voluntary labor for wages, government-mandated employment, or community service, do not entail such coercive elements or the same conditions of debt servitude, peonage uniquely involves a compulsion due to financial liabilities. This understanding highlights the significant legal and ethical implications surrounding peonage as it relates to human rights and labor laws.