The resurgence of neo-capitalism and consumerism plays a huge role in making people socially isolated

Times are changing. Technological advancements are taking place at a breakneck speed. Some of the most important recent advancements are the instant communication systems and the Internet revolution which, in every sense, have knocked down the barriers of language, time and distance.

These ground-breaking technologies have also been bringing different states and nationalities together. However, within communities and countries, it’s been observed that people are becoming more and more lonely and isolated.

The efficacy of human bond, which used to be the hallmark of pastoral societies, is diminishing because of a fast-paced modern life. The signs of social and family estrangement are strikingly visible in the developed as well as in under developed nations where longer working hours, long-distance commuting to workplaces, late marriages and fewer children are keeping individuals away from their kith and kin, friends, neighbours and communities.

This feeling of loneliness and estrangement is called alienation. It is also termed as ‘atomism of modern society’, meaning that individuals have shallower relations with other people than they are supposed to maintain in a traditional community.

However, alienation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon concerning individuals as well as society and can be sociological, psychological and spiritual in nature. When people are estranged from their communities, it is sociological in character; when they are isolated from themselves, it has psychological dimensions; and seclusion from religion is a spiritual problem.

Alienation, as a concept, can be retraced to at least 2,000 years to the Romans and the Gnostics. In modern times, it resurfaced in the 19th century and it owes its resurgence largely to Karl Marx. He came to know this concept by studying Hegel who said that man is alienated because human labour is alienated. According to Marx, alienation means that people are separated from their essential human powers and values specific to humans and this concept becomes the focal point of his critical interpretation of modern society and serves as the mainstay of his critique of capitalism.

Explaining the phenomenon of alienation in this era, Dr Mohammad Ali Siddiqui, a noted intellectual affiliated with the University of Karachi, says, “This is the prize we have to pay to live in this era. We have bartered this alienation with the micro-electronic revolution whose pace is very fast, i.e. 500 innovations per minute. It means that if someone is not keeping pace in the fast track of life he will be losing control with reality and at the same time trailing behind in human relations, and it makes an individual lonely and alienated.”

According to a research, globally people are becoming more socially isolated than, say, 20 years ago. This drift from a social animal to an island is disturbing as it deprives the people of emotional and moral support that gives them a healing touch during personal and national calamities as well as helps forge better understanding and enhanced interpersonal dealings.

When we analyse alienation in the context of Pakistani society, in the last three decades tremendous changes in the lifestyle of the masses have been noticed — at least in the urban areas. There was a time when the joint family system was the norm in the country. Many extended families — parents, children and grandchildren — lived under the same roof and were supportive of, and considerate towards, each other. People lived according to their financial means neither complaining nor resenting it; they adapted themselves to the prevalent circumstances.

Time passed by and the modern world (read hi-tech revolution) arrived with a bang. And with it came financial prosperity for many in a short span of time. There were major changes in the old traditions and social relations. Extended families began to break up, with each unit having their own residence, sometimes in the different part of the same city which created a sense of dislocation, and even alienation.

As many researches have suggested, a well-knit group of friends and family provides a social safety net for the individual and the community and makes a person a part of society, thus providing a sense of belongingness. Unfortunately, as people’s material riches are rising vertically, their personal and social relationships are moving away horizontally.

The resurgence of neo-capitalism and consumerism plays a very important role here. Acquiring wealth, jet-set standard of living, having latest electronic gadgets as cell phones, Ipods, MP3 players, top-of-the-line car models etc., have become necessities. Our world is becoming increasingly a non-personalised one where the daily rigours of life take precedence over simple, however, important social and human values. There is no doubt that nowadays everyone needs wealth for a comfortable living; but when moneymaking becomes the singular motive of a person, it can also become a social divider and an isolator.

Discussing the subject, Dr Wasif Ali, a practising psychiatrist says: “Advertising agencies and their aggressive marketing strategies play a very important role in influencing blatant consumerism in the masses.” Those people who have not been able to acquire them develop a sense of frustration and inferiority complex which in turn breeds resentment, anger and hatred which can lead to depression, psychological disorders and, in extreme cases, suicidal tendencies, he adds.

Alienation has a political dimension too. Dr Jaffar Ahmed, Director Pakistan Studies Centre, University of Karachi, says: “There are many causes of alienation in a society and like other emotional problems it has degrees, too. The system where people are deprived of their rights, and are not allowed to take part in the political process leads them towards withdrawal and antipathy and these feelings generate alienation.”

Human beings are basically creative creatures, which is what distinguishes them from other species of the animal kingdom. However, people living in a deprived state lose their creative abilities. In Pakistan, this phenomenon can be witnessed in the form of the increasing number of suicides and other psychosomatic problems. Dr Jaffar elucidates: “In a broader sense, it includes civil and political rights and practices, too. However, unfortunately due to dictatorial regimes and oppressive policies, people lose control over their own lives and immediate environment, which again, results in estranging them from the democratic course.”

The basis of a successful cure is the correct diagnosis. Individuals, governments and society must realise that alienation is a problem. When that is done, ways would have to be found to cure the malady. It would be not an easy task to wipe out with a single stroke what has been the source of human discomfort for centuries. But let’s begin working towards it, as they say, well begun is half done. There is a need to support and strengthen our crumbling family structure.

In the end one would like to say that the rat race leads nowhere. Contentment is another virtue which helps individuals fight alienation. Striking a balance between personal and professional ambitions adds value to one’s existence. There is a need to look down with disdain on vociferous consumerism and neo-capitalism which creates a frustrating environment. The government also has a role to play. It must invoke a perception of social justice, participatory democracy and equal opportunity among citizens.