Alienation

Cards (5)

  • Define alienation?
    Marx used the term "alienation" to describe the estrangement or separation of individuals from aspects of their human nature and from each other. He argued that under capitalism, workers become alienated
  • Give one way that workers are alienated?
    The Product of Their Labor: In capitalist production, workers do not own the products they create; instead, the products are owned and sold by capitalists. This leads to a sense of detachment from their labor, as they do not have control over what they produce.
  • Give one way that a worker is alienated.
    The Process of Production: Workers often have little say in how goods and services are produced. The process is controlled by capitalists to maximize profit, which can lead to monotonous, repetitive work that offers little fulfillment or creativity.
  • Give one way that a worker is alienated.
    Themselves as Human Beings: Marx believed that work is a fundamental aspect of human existence, through which individuals express their creativity and develop their capacities.
    However, under capitalism, work becomes a means of survival rather than self-expression, leading to a loss of connection with one's true human essence.
  • Give one way that a worker is alienated.
    Other Workers: Competition among workers for jobs and wages can create a sense of isolation and hostility, preventing solidarity and cooperation among them.