Alienation: An Introduction to Marx's Theory

by Dan Swain

For most people, the world is radically outside their control - lives are dictated by the demands of employers and politicians. This is the phenomenon of alienation that Marx began to diagnose in the early 1840s. This guide to the central aspect of Marx's philosophy explores the development of the concept and its relevence today.

Genres: Politics, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Economics, Theory

111 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Martin Empson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karl Marx's ideas of alienation are often portrayed as being overly complex. Yet they are a rich and fascinating examination of the way that human lives are distorted by the capitalist society that we live in. Dan Swain's new book is a short, but never superficial examination of this part of Marx's work, it is a brilliant introduction to the subject and deserves a wide readership, particularly amongst people who are getting to grips with Marxist thought.

Full review: http://resolutereader.blogspot.co.uk/...

[Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the alienation that occurs under capitalism stems from our lack of control and creativity within the labour process, in which labour becomes overtly structured, homogenous and quantifiable as a means of squeezing as much surplus value out of it as possible. Then it follows that the compulsion I feel of updating ‘pages read’ and reaching the yearly reading challenge, not as a personal challenge but as a necessity, that this stems from the commodification of labour and its abstraction into numbers as a means of comparing value, particularly the mental labour of reading!

Phenomenal book tho!!

[Shovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a comprehensive introduction to Marx's idea of alienation; especially interesting were the modern day references interwoven into the chapters which show that alienation is not an outdated concept from a bygone era of Marx's Industrial Revolution, but a constant ongoing experience brought on by the social relations of capitalism. Very succinct tightly packed read, with plenty in the"further reading" section that I'll be adding to my list.

[Gus Quintela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly compact and concise giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive. Like everything that goes against the neoliberal madness, alienation and its impact on humans mental health and wellbeing has been hidden away. However, alienation theory is paramount as a theoretical framwwork from which to make sense of modern human sufference. Undoubtedly, Dan Swain with this book has made a great contribution

[Toby]

About as accessible as Marx can get. I do caution against the identification of the alienated subject with one lacking control or self-determination. This leaves Marx's more suggestive passages in the Paris Manuscripts where he talks about alienated sight, hearing and touch (human sensuousness) under-explored. I was also dissatisfied with the treatment human nature and species-being get. But these are complaints about an otherwise great introduction.

[Jude Martyński · Rating 5 out of 5]

About as accessible Marx can get.

[Sangeetha T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to those already familiar with Marx who want to look at the many different ways we are alienated from work, life, the environment, others etc. Accessible and short, but containing the important arguments and quotes from Marx condensed and explained for you.

[Titus Hjelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Bookmarks's short intro books which, while being interesting for the already initiated, manage to present sometimes tricky Marxist concepts in clear language. Sure, for the academic treatment I'd go for Ollman, but a very solid intro.

[Jonas Marvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, accessible and contemporary guide to Alienation. Thank you very much Dan Swain. Considering the effect of the last two years, is there anything you'd change about it? (Not a targeted question, but a genuine one).

[Christopher Gilmour · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having read this book, I now understand Marx's theories of alienation.