The subject of alienation is a common theme in Marxist literature. Marx believed that the nature of work under the capitalist system, (particularly, boring, repetitive and meaningless work), not only alienated the worker from the product of his labor, but also from any meaningful control over what should be a fulfilling and rewarding activity. This ultimately produces a society of individuals lacking a sense of purpose and feeling they have no control over their own lives. We will examine what effect this has on societal passiveness, on the willing abdication of freedom and the attempt to escape the burdens of responsibility that freedom brings.
To this end this section focuses on an insidious form of alienation — alienation from oneself — as described by social psychologist Erich Fromm in his 1941 work, Escape From Freedom. In the book’s first chapter, “Freedom – A Psychological Problem?” Fromm writes:
It is the purpose of this book to analyze those dynamic factors in the character structure of modern man, which make him want to give up freedom in Fascist countries and which so widely prevail in millions of our own people.
Fromm’s analysis provides a deeper insight into the question “What’s the matter with Kansas?” It is an important element in understanding the subconscious motivations of individuals which may contribute to society’s slouch towards dystopia.