Marx discusses alienation in the workplace as when one becomes alienated from their work and feels no self-satisfaction. I believe that alienation in the work place is something that is extremely common today. Due to the economy’s difficult situation many have struggled to make ends meet and have had to turn to alternate jobs. For example, many of the lower sector, minimum wage jobs, the majority of the people occupying these positions are not there by choice, but because there are limited opportunities. Alienation is easily observed in an employee’s customer service skills. Often those who are considered proletariat are exploited and are given less recognition than those who work in higher sector positions. Exploitation is the ultimate burnout point for an alienated employee.
Exploitation is not usually associated in the United States, although it does exist. But rather, it is extremely common in third world countries. For example in Mexico’s northern border there is what is called “maquilladoras” these are large American factories that employ thousands of people and have them work extensive hours under hazardous conditions and with no benefits. These factories are the primary reason why we have such large amounts of immigrants working here. The amount of money they would typically make in a day is equal to a minimum wage’s hourly wage.
Capitalism has enabled our society to believe that we must be modernized all the time. The American society is notorious for its consumerism and high demand for the latest gadgets. Capitalism has industrialized many countries that years ago were rural areas. In many parts of Latin America it is commonly heard that farmers lands are one day theirs and over night huge factories are built. These factories not only affect their source of income but also the people’s way of life.
Sweatshops also exist in the United States. Years ago there was a huge strike for the large clothing company Forever 21. The workers of this company were extremely alienated. These workers were mainly women and worked long hours in horrid conditions. For the most part these ladies were paid based on the pieces of clothing they would sew together. For the most part they were compensated thirteen cents for every piece, when at its retail price would be twenty dollars. Because these women would have such a high demand for their work, employers would also demand that they work on clothing from their home if it was not finished in the factory.
Marx relates Alienation, Exploitation, and Capitalism all together. Capitalism has a trickle down effect over proletariats.
Exploitation is not usually associated in the United States, although it does exist. But rather, it is extremely common in third world countries. For example in Mexico’s northern border there is what is called “maquilladoras” these are large American factories that employ thousands of people and have them work extensive hours under hazardous conditions and with no benefits. These factories are the primary reason why we have such large amounts of immigrants working here. The amount of money they would typically make in a day is equal to a minimum wage’s hourly wage.
Capitalism has enabled our society to believe that we must be modernized all the time. The American society is notorious for its consumerism and high demand for the latest gadgets. Capitalism has industrialized many countries that years ago were rural areas. In many parts of Latin America it is commonly heard that farmers lands are one day theirs and over night huge factories are built. These factories not only affect their source of income but also the people’s way of life.
Sweatshops also exist in the United States. Years ago there was a huge strike for the large clothing company Forever 21. The workers of this company were extremely alienated. These workers were mainly women and worked long hours in horrid conditions. For the most part these ladies were paid based on the pieces of clothing they would sew together. For the most part they were compensated thirteen cents for every piece, when at its retail price would be twenty dollars. Because these women would have such a high demand for their work, employers would also demand that they work on clothing from their home if it was not finished in the factory.
Marx relates Alienation, Exploitation, and Capitalism all together. Capitalism has a trickle down effect over proletariats.