Applying the Theory of Alienation using Contemporary TV Characters

Abstract

Students often exhibit resistance to learning about Marx’s theories and ideas. Students either may enter the classroom with biases, have difficulty reading original works, or believe that theories do not apply to today’s world. This assignment requires students to learn about a central Marxian theory (alienation) and to demonstrate mastery of the...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Occupations/Professions

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

Students read a portion of Marx’s (2007) Alienated Labor prior to coming into the class period. We review the different types of alienation in a PowerPoint in lecture format. Students then get into groups and are assigned a real or fictional character. In their groups, they discuss in what ways this particular occupation might be alienating. If students...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Explain the meaning of the Marxian theory of alienation.
2. Explain how job tasks shape alienation and job satisfaction.
3. Apply the theory of alienation to different real-life examples and evaluate the degree of alienation.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Exit Slip: Define and explain the four aspects of alienation.
2. Exit Slip: Choose an occupation not included in the activity. What aspects of the job (job tasks) fit into each aspect of alienation? (At least one for each aspect). Would you still be satisfied with this job? Why or why not?
3. Exam Question: Rank the following occupations from 1-4 with 1 being the least alienating and 4 being the most alienating. Give at least one reason for each occupation being in its location compared to the other occupations.