Alienation as a Social Process

Abstract

This essay examines the concept of alienation with reference to Marxian and social psychological perspectives. A synthesis of these diverse perspectives is established with particular emphasis on work alienation. Noting that alienation is a consequence of situationally specific relations based on the interaction of historical context, structural conditions, and individual participants, a theoretical model is constructed for a view of alionation as a social process. It is suggested that understanding alienation as a process will allow for a more integrated explanatory theory.