Question

What does it mean for a worker to be "alienated from his product"? Why does this happen? As a reminder, explanations have to be in your own words. This answer should be at least five sentences; the fact that workers are alienated from the product of their labor is the main point of the Marx reading.

Answer 1

When the worker is "alienated from his product" it simply means he loses every and any claim or right of ownership that he under normal circumstances would have over such a product.

This ususally happens because, in Capitalism, the capitalist or employer purchases the workers labour and it's results therefrom. What the capitalist owes to the worker is limited only to the financial rewards agreed upon. Financial rewards may be salary or wages.

All other proceeds arising out the relationship including the workers "product" belongs to the Capitalist.

Cheers!