In 1844, Karl Marx introduced the concept of “alienated labor,” which posits that people are compelled to work for survival, leading to detachment from their work, society, and themselves. Despite the evolution of society, particularly in the United States, towards more excellent capitalism, Marx’s ideas remain relevant. However, they also require further development to keep pace with the rapidly changing world. This essay explores the relevance of Karl Marx’s theory of alienated labor in contemporary society, emphasizing the negative impact of the capitalist system on individuals’ wellbeing and their connection to their work while highlighting the need for updates to his ideas to keep pace with the rapidly changing world.
Marx’s theory of alienation still finds resonance in today’s society, as the working class continues to experience “alienated labor” in their efforts to earn resources and survive in the economy. This alienation goes beyond dissatisfaction with work but instead results in losing control over one’s life. Marx argued that people could not fulfill their potential due to the need to prioritize survival.[1] Workers in factories, for instance, earn minimum wages that do not cover their living expenses, requiring them to work overtime and focus solely on their work at the expense of their personal lives. In this way, society compels people to focus exclusively on the present to survive, making it challenging to achieve their dreams and provide for their families.
In a capitalist society, labor becomes more than just a means to an end; it becomes a person’s identity, activity, and purpose. Without work, a person may feel lost and purposeless. While the idea of “alienated labor” may not be as widely accepted among newer generations due to evolving societal, political, and industrial systems, the need for resources to survive remains constant. However, people today are more interested in finding fulfilling and less-demanding work environments, such as remote work or careers in social media influencing. Despite this, the need for connections and relationships with others remains crucial for happiness and a sense of control in one’s life. Ultimately, while Marx’s ideas on alienation may require some updating to fit the modern world, they still hold relevance in understanding the role of work and its impact on individuals in a capitalist society.
According to Marx, when a person becomes trapped in the capitalist system, they lose their connection to other people and their relationship with themselves.[2] This is because they become so consumed by their work that they cannot attend to their needs and desires, and their only relationship is with the products they create. This is still relevant today when people are often engulfed in their work and have little time for anything else. In the United States, a typical job consists of an 8-hour shift, with the possibility of overtime and extra pay. While this practice still exists today, there are laws in place to limit the number of hours a person can work in a day. In other countries, such as China, factory workers may operate more than half a day and six days a week, reducing the time needed for relationships outside work. This demanding work can negatively influence an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing and social life.
Concerning the continued reliance on labor to keep the world running, many people still find themselves working jobs they do not enjoy or feel connected to. This can lead to alienation, where workers feel detached from their work and the products or services they provide.[3] In addition, the absorption of the means of production in the hands of a few capitalists means that workers often have little say in the conditions of their work and the profits that their labor generates. However, with advancements in technology and automation, the role of delivery in society will change in the future. As more tasks are automated and machines take on jobs that were once performed by beings, the requirement for a manual workforce may shrink. This could create a new technique or a shift in how society values labor and how people work to support themselves and their families.
Marx’s concept of alienation and its impact on modern society is still relevant. Focusing on work and pursuing wealth often takes individuals away from their relationships and sense of self. As a result, they become disconnected from others and their inner world, leading to a sense of estrangement.[4] Additionally, the concept of alienated labor continues to manifest today, with workers feeling underpaid and undervalued for their hard work. In many cases, workers are offered benefits and perks, such as health insurance and retirement plans, but these do not address the underlying issue of feeling disconnected from their labor. These perks are also offered in other jobs if a person is a permanent or a full-time employee. It attracts people to work for the private sector. The only gain from these is the perks and the necessities they get; which are beneficial and ultimately desired. But whatever they make or provide for these companies does not belong to the worker but to the company. Ultimately, the company gains much more from the worker because of his effort and pockets all the profits.
The more products a person creates, the more they become detached from themselves and their property.[5] As the majority of the profits generated by their labor go to the company, individuals often feel like they are working for someone else’s benefit rather than their own. However, not all jobs are equally alienating. Some jobs, such as working for the government or in the non-profit sector, may not focus as heavily on profit and product creation. Nevertheless, it is important for individuals to reflect on the impact their work has on their sense of self and their relationships with others. The pursuit of wealth and success should not come at the cost of one’s wellbeing and connection to others.
Conclusion
Karl Marx’s theory of alienated labor remains relevant in contemporary society as individuals continue to experience detachment from their work, society, and themselves due to the demands of the capitalist system. The focus on survival through work often comes at the expense of personal fulfillment and relationships, leading to a sense of estrangement. While some may argue that newer generations may not relate to Marx’s ideas, the need for resources to survive remains constant. Nonetheless, as the world rapidly changes, Marx’s ideas require further development to stay relevant. Ultimately, it is crucial for individuals to reflect on the impact their work has on their wellbeing and relationships with others and prioritize their self-fulfillment over the pursuit of wealth and success.
Bibliography
Tucker, R.C., Marx, K. and Engels, F. (1978) “Alienated Labour or Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844,” in The Marx Engels reader. Second Edition. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, pp. 49–58.
[1] Tucker, R.C., Marx, K. and Engels, F. (1978) “Alienated Labor or Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844,” in The Marx Engels reader. Second Edition. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, pp. 49–58.
[2] Ibid., Marx, 1978., Alienated Labor or Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844
[3] Ibid., Marx, 1978., Alienated Labor or Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844
[4] Ibid., Marx, 1978., Alienated Labor or Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844
[5] Ibid., Marx, 1978., Alienated Labor or Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844
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