asked 178k views
3 votes
When Dr. Gabor Mate states we are driven to consume products, what type of alienation is this?

a. Economic alienation
b. Social alienation
c. Cultural alienation
d. Psychological alienation

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Dr. Gabor Mate's statement on the drive to consume products relates to psychological alienation, as it reflects a disconnection between an individual and their intrinsic desires.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Dr. Gabor Mate talks about our drive to consume products, he is referring to a type of alienation that encompasses the societal influences and psychological impacts of consumerism. This type of alienation could be labeled under psychological alienation. Karl Marx discussed varieties of alienation, although he did not directly address consumerism. Instead, he focused on the alienation from the process of one's labor and the product of one's labor, along with economic and social alienation as facets of estrangement in the capitalist systems. Dr. Mate's comment specifically speaks to the loss of connection to one's genuine needs and desires as a human, in contrast to being driven by the persuasions of a consumerist society, placing importance on material goods over personal and community wellbeing. Thus, this drive could be seen as a form of disconnection between an individual and their intrinsic desires, leading to psychological alienation.

answered
User Teh Suu
by
7.9k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.