The practice of "breaking up" enslaved families by selling family members to different owners was a deliberate strategy used by slaveholders to:

The deliberate practice of breaking up enslaved families by selling family members to different owners was primarily aimed at maximizing profits for slaveholders and increasing control over the enslaved population. By separating families, slaveholders not only diminished the potential for rebellion or solidified community ties among enslaved individuals but also ensured that they maintained a constant supply of labor that could be easily exploited. This strategy undermined the social structures and emotional bonds within enslaved communities, making it easier for owners to exert their dominance and manage their workforce effectively. The absence of family unity reduced the likelihood of collective resistance and made enslaved people more dependent on their owners, further entrenching the system of slavery for economic gain. This approach highlights the brutal realities of the institution of slavery, reflecting the ways in which economic motives drove the actions and decisions of slaveholders.