Many are familiar with the concept of isolation. This isolation can be physical, emotional, or even social. This is alternatively known as alienation. The definition of alienation is when a person is separated from some essential aspect of their nature, or from society. Since this is a separation of two things that should be together, alienation commonly elicits feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. This can lead to apathy, depression, or anxiety.
In some contexts, alienation can be a beneficial thing. On the scale of a society, alienation from certain values can instead promote progress. For example, if a society is alienated from values that promote the usage of natural resources like coal and oil, then the society can work to progress towards implementing green energy solutions throughout the country.
Marxian Alienation
The concept of alienation originated with Karl Marx, who developed the theory from Ludwig Feuerbach's philosophical critique of Christianity. For context, Feuerbach's critique argued that Christianity disguised an important fact regarding human power relations. He states that the concept of an all-powerful God that people submit to so that they may reach salvation was a reflection of the type of society that was being perpetuated. People must submit to a higher power in society in order to achieve some positive result.
Marx then applied this concept to industrialized capitalist societies. In order for the workers to wrest power, they must take that power from the ruling class, rather than simply submitting to them. Marx then went on to apply this same concept to working relations under certain management systems. Work in the past was less alienating because it was more demanding, requiring greater attention, skill, and potentially physical prowess. This meant that work felt satisfying, as these workers were in control of their work conditions. However, in factories, workers are simply another part of a larger machine, creating a greater alienation between the worker and the work.
Marx argued that there are four areas in which production in capitalist societies creates alienation:
- Alienation between a worker and their labor power: people must work hours set by the employer, and perform tasks given by the employer.
- Alienation between a worker and the products of their labor: products are sold by the employer in marketplaces for profit, and the workers only receive a fraction of the payment.
- Workers being alienated from one another: competition is a fundamental part of taking on new jobs, the workplace (rewards for high levels of achievement), and the hiring process.
- Alienation between a worker and a core fundamental of being human: Marx argued that satisfying work is a core aspect of being human and that capitalism makes work a miserable experience.
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