Volume 12 Issues 12 December, 2022
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The concept of alienation gained popularity in the 19th century with the advent of Marxism, explaining the plight of capitalism. However, here in the 2023 one can arguably consider alienation to be more of a psychological construct than sociological. Self-isolation and withdrawal from society and one’s peers can be detrimental to a person’s wellbeing and development and often lead to a myriad of health issues.
It is difficult to pinpoint a single cause as a spectrum of reasons ranging from trauma to being in a new environment can result in one feeling estranged. There are 5 elements to alienation – powerlessness, meaninglessness, normlessness, isolation and self-estrangement. It may begin with having no control over the situation which may lead to low self-esteem followed by distancing oneself from family and friends. People with a difference in opinion may feel overlooked in larger groups. Gradually the feeling develops that they cannot confide in others and would not be understood. Thus ensues an unhealthy spiral of stress, anxiety, depression along with other psychological disorders and in some cases, it may even lead to suicide.
Alienation should not be confused with solitude – a voluntary initiative to introspect and enjoy one’s own company. Alienation, on the other hand, results from circumstances which makes one feel isolated from his or her surroundings. This issue is not constrained to a particular age group, gender or ethnicity. However, research has shown a greater proportion of adolescents to be affected. A study conducted among college students in US showed students with a different cultural background than the majority felt more alienated which consequently affected their grades and social interactions. If a person is not able to adjust to the newer surroundings it leads to loneliness which eventually emerges as social alienation. This increases their vulnerability to drugs and alcohol addictions.
Undoubtedly, seeking professional help would be an ideal solution. But the stigma associated with it prevents it from being a practical one. Attempts can be made to address the problem at a smaller scale by initiating interactive workshops by host institutes. A more effective way to combat it is by replacing indifference with empathy. If a friend, colleague or acquaintance appears to be withdrawing, small efforts on our part to make them feel welcome can make a considerable difference. People proactively working in groups or pursuing their hobbies have shown lesser signs of detachment. Hence, engaging in productive activities can also serve as a way to overcome it.
The root of the issue may lie in social and cultural disparities or can be due to health reasons and no one is immune to it. Thus, embracing differences while leaving behind the bias can make the environment, both professional and personal, more enriching for all.
