Alienation Theory

Alienation Theory, rooted in Historical Materialism, explores how people become disconnected from their essence and each other due to societal structures, especially under capitalism. It suggests that workers are alienated from the products they create, the process of production, their fellow workers, and even from their own humanity. This disconnection arises because labor becomes a means to an end rather than a fulfilling activity, leading to feelings of powerlessness, isolation, and dissatisfaction. Understanding this concept highlights the impact of economic systems on human relationships and well-being.