Throughout history, social and political factors have influenced the role of women in different societies. As a result, women's roles have varied over time and across locations. Over time, women have had some very shocking and difficult experiences trying to find their place in society. The fight for respect and equal opportunities for women has always been a controversy in society, especially for African American women during the era of slavery. In this article, it is argued that the role of African American women during the era of slavery was extremely harsh and almost unbearable. African women captured during the war were less likely than men to be sold into slavery to rival clans or European slavers. . Indeed, women were important for the maintenance of African clan societies. The work of the captives was considered valuable for the life of the clan. Indeed, in African societies, women were the primary agricultural workers and, as such, their skills in this area were extremely valuable to the livelihood of many African societies. Additionally, women were valued for their fertility. Therefore, their ability to have children added to the perceived power of a clan culture where the size of the family group was seen as proof of the strength of the group. Finally, women were valued in African culture for their socializing function. Because female captives were less likely to flee and because of their physical vulnerability, it was often easier for them to acculturate into a new clan group. As such, women were often teachers to those unfamiliar with the clan's customs. This was a vital and important process in the cultural cohesion of clan life. In many ways, women played a more instrumental role middle of paper... Slavery damaged the physical and psychological well-being of everyone involved. The role of women during the era of slavery was very important, as explained. Slavery was a traumatic time and many women took drastic measures, due to their desperation. The fight for respect and equal opportunities for women has always been a controversy in society, especially for African American women during the era of slavery. Understanding the roles and experiences of these women is important and should not be ignored. The role of African American women during the era of slavery was extremely harsh and almost unbearable. Slavery was a very horrific period in history and although it is still a controversial subject, it is clear that women died or, if they survived, suffered trauma without end they had to face for the rest of their lives..