What does it mean to be indentured?

To be indentured means to work under a contractual agreement, typically for a specific period of time, in exchange for certain benefits such as passage to a new country, training, or living accommodations. This system was particularly prominent in historical contexts, such as the 17th and 18th centuries, where individuals, often young men or women, agreed to work for a master or employer for a predetermined number of years. The contract, or indenture, legally bound the worker to their employer, ensuring that each party fulfilled their obligations during the term of the agreement. This contractual relationship distinguished indentured servitude from other forms of labor, as it was defined by the terms set in the contract, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the worker and employer.

In contrast to this, the other choices do not capture the essence of being indentured. Working independently, for example, suggests autonomy and lack of obligations imposed by an external contract. Similarly, working in a temporary position typically implies a less formal arrangement without the binding nature of an indenture, while working without any formal training does not necessarily involve a contractual agreement at all and could apply to many types of employment situations. Thus, the correct choice reflects the essential nature of work that is governed by