Alienation theory of Karl Marx

Karl Marx’s concept of alienation came from his early writings. He described this concept as how workers become disconnected from their work, their products, and their own human essence under capitalism.  

Marx gave this concept in economic and philosophic manuscript of 1844. He presented the humanistic view of his work in this writing. 

In his early writings he did not analyzed Capitalism as class struggle and antagonism.  He emphasized on the evil effects of Capitalism on Social life. Capitalism leads society into alienation which further result into loss of identity and freedom.

According to Marx freedom is not what Capitalist says but freedom from necessity. It means that when all basic needs are fulfilled of men, only then he is free. Real freedom is only possible in communism. In Capitalist society it turned into isolation and disconnected the organic bond between men and society. So this Capitalist society is responsible for alienation of working class. 

Origin of this concept 

Marx was not the first thinker who talk about Alienation.  It was actually Hegel who firstly used this concept in spiritual sense. According to him men are unhappy in today's world because he alienated himself from God. State is the 'March of God on Earth'. So if men wants to be end this un happiness he should give up on state. 

Further Feuerbach gave the opposite idea from Hegel on alienation. He said that God is the source of alienation. So we have to be free from religion.  

Forms of Alienation 

Marx theory of Alienation was inspired by both Hegel and Feuerbach. But he gave different concept  from them in many aspects. 

Marx explains alienation in four forms:

1. Alienation from the Product of Labour

In capitalist society workers produce goods, But they feel alienated from that product because  the goods do not belong to them.

The product becomes something external and even hostile to the worker because it enriches the capitalist, not the worker. These products are high in price and they got less wages. Workers see their own labor turned into a commodity sold in the market.

2. Alienation from the Process of Production

The work process is controlled by the capitalist. Worker have no choice in the Process of production. After industrial revolution the Process of production become more strict and mechanized.

Workers must follow strict rules, timings, and techniques. Work becomes forced, mechanical, repetitive, and meaningless.

Instead of being a creative activity, work becomes a burden. They feel alienated from the process and become only a nut of wheel. 

3. Alienation from Society 

After mechanical process of production worker class feel alienated towards society.  Social relations governed by money and contracts, not by community or cooperation. They were so busy to earn waves that they totally disconnected from social life. Competitive nature of Capitalist society forces worker to compete with other worker not only worker but everyone. 

4. Alienation from Species-Being (Human Essence)

Lastly he alienated from himself. Humans are naturally creative and capable of shaping the world. Capitalism reduces workers to machine-like beings, preventing them from expressing their true human potential.

Their species-being (true human nature) is suppressed. In Capitalist society they have no time to search their natural creativity. 

Conclusion 

This concept make great impact on industrial countries.  This theory motivated the western industries and governments to make rules to give better condition and good living for working class.