In Marxist theory, what does the term "alienation" reference?

In Marxist theory, the term "alienation" primarily refers to estrangement from one's human essential nature. This concept captures how individuals become disconnected from the fruits of their labor, their fellow workers, and their own inherent potential when they are subjected to capitalist production systems. Marx argued that in a capitalist society, workers are dehumanized and treated merely as cogs in a machine, leading to a sense of powerlessness and a disconnection from their true selves and creativity.

This estrangement occurs since workers do not own the means of production and, therefore, cannot find fulfillment in their work, resulting in a sense of loss regarding their identities and abilities. In essence, alienation reflects a broader critique of capitalism, highlighting how it impacts human nature and societal relationships. Understanding this context is crucial to grasping how Marx viewed the societal implications of socioeconomic structures on individual well-being.