Understanding Alienation in Economic Behavior

Marx's concept of alienation is central to understanding economic behavior and social relations. He argues that under capitalist conditions, workers become estranged from the products of their labor, resulting in a lack of connection to both their work and their own being. This alienation manifests itself as a fundamental disconnect, where workers are unable to see their production as a reflection of their essence, which diminishes their humanity. The notion that labor, rather than being a fulfilling act of creation, becomes a mere means of survival highlights the profound impact of economic systems on individual identity and societal connections.