Question

What is alienation?

Hint:

Think of Charlie Chaplin in the movie "Modern Times" tightening bolts on an assembly line—that is a classic depiction of alienation.

Answer 1

Definition:
Alienation is a state of feeling estranged or separated from one's environment, work, products of work, or self. Marxist Context:
In Karl Marx's theory, it refers to the condition of workers in a capitalist society. Workers lose control over their work and the things they produce, becoming mere cogs in a machine. They become alienated from:

• The product of their labor.
• The process of labor (work becomes forced).
• Their fellow workers (competition replaces cooperation).
• Their own human potential (species-essence).