Lecture 5 - Sociological foundations of the problem of work: Considerations of Marx Flashcards
Define alienation
A condition of workers in a capitalist economy, resulting from a lack of identity with the products of their labour and a sense of being controlled or exploited.
What is alienation from the object of production?
- Marx claims that workers feel alienated because the things they produce are separate from them, existing independently and even dominating their lives.
- “The worker is alienated from the product of their labor; it exists independently and confronts them as a separate power.” (Marx)
What is alienation from the producing activity?
Marx highlights how workers become alienated to the act of production itself. The process of working feels external to them, leaving them disconnected from their own essence and purpose.
What is the external character of labour?
Work feels like it belongs to someone else, not the worker. It is imposed on them, creating a sense of estrangement as they labor for others, not for themselves. (Marx)
What is denial of intrinsic nature?
Work contradicts a worker’s true nature, causing misery and making them feel alive only outside of their job. (Marx)
What is alienation of man from man?
Marx argues that alienation in labor extends beyond the individual, creating divisions between people. Workers are not just estranged from the product of their labor and themselves but also from others, particularly those who control or benefit from their work.
What is the ‘someone else’ theory?
The products of labor belong to others, giving them power over workers.
Marx quote on the ‘someone else’ theory?
“When labor does not belong to the worker, it empowers others over them.”
What are organisational responses to the problem of work?
- Organisations blend emotional human aspects with structured work processes to make work feel more meaningful and personal.
- Reconnecting personal values and emotions with organisational activities helps people feel more connected and at ease in their work environments.
What are the key elements of soft capitalism?
- meeting social needs
- Aesthetic work environment
- Oppurtunities for self development
- Work as a lifestyle
What did Heelas claim in 2002 about re-conceptualising work?
Modern day employees feel so fulfilled by the meaning in their work that they willingly commit extra time and energy, seeing work as part of their identity.
