They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South

They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers is a groundbreaking exploration into the complex roles that white women played in the institution of slavery. Through rigorous research and a wealth of primary sources, Jones-Rogers shatters the long-held misconception that women were mere bystanders in the operation of slavery, revealing instead the significant and often brutal participatory role they took on as slave owners themselves....

They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers is a groundbreaking exploration into the complex roles that white women played in the institution of slavery. Through rigorous research and a wealth of primary sources, Jones-Rogers shatters the long-held misconception that women were mere bystanders in the operation of slavery, revealing instead the significant and often brutal participatory role they took on as slave owners themselves. This compelling title not only engages with historical economic motivations but also centers the experiences and voices of enslaved individuals, presenting a narrative that is both rich and profoundly eye-opening.

Jones-Rogers’ prose is both accessible and authoritative, making even the most intricate historical arguments easy to grasp, which is essential for students and general readers alike. This book draws upon a variety of sources—from legal documents to firsthand testimonies—to present a thorough examination of women's roles, motivations, and impacts within the institution of slavery. It prompts readers to confront uncomfortable truths about gender and power, making a critical addition to the discourse around race, slavery, and gender.