Marxist Theory of Alienation

The Marxist theory of alienation describes how workers become disconnected from their work, the products they create, themselves, and others under capitalism. When workers don’t own what they produce, their labor feels like an external force rather than a meaningful activity. This separation leads to feelings of powerlessness, emptiness, and a loss of personal fulfillment. Essentially, capitalism's focus on profit transforms work into a draining, impersonal experience, alienating individuals from their own potential and the products of their efforts.