can someone please tell me what are the causes of alienation? I cant find the answer in many sociology books !!Please help!

it is caused by people leaving someone out and therefore making them feel unwanted

it is also caused when someone from a different background has friends who are totally different to them and therefore don't feel apart of that group

e.g imagine you had friends who talk about the same things as they are the same...for example when they talk about religion
if you are a totally different religion to them so therefore you will feel left out and alienated.

Alienation...split it down....Alien
aliens are odd

so basically it is caused when some me feel like the odd one out and not part of that particular situation.

was I any help?

this is a really good article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_alienation

Wikipedia is biased!!! and editted

I wonder who is more biased. Is it a high school student or three retired masters-degree teachers with a combined total of over 75 years teaching experience?

HS -- you're unhappy with Jiskha, and have made your point. You can take a little vacation since you're now banned from posting here for a few days.

Bravo, Ms. Sue!

Certainly! Alienation is a concept studied in sociology that refers to a feeling of disconnection or separation from oneself, others, or society. Alienation can manifest in various ways, such as feeling isolated from social relationships, detached from one's own work, or estranged from the broader community. The causes of alienation are complex and multi-faceted, and can vary depending on the individual and social context.

To understand the causes of alienation, it's important to look at various sociological theories and perspectives. Some key theories that explain the causes of alienation include:

1. Marxian Theory: Karl Marx, a renowned sociologist, identified several main causes of alienation. According to Marx, capitalism and the unequal distribution of wealth contribute to alienation. He argued that workers become alienated from their labor when they have no control or ownership over the products they produce. Workers may also feel alienated from the fruits of their labor, as they do not benefit from the full value they create.

2. Societal Factors: Alienation can also be influenced by broader social factors. For example, rapid urbanization and industrialization can lead to social fragmentation and disconnection among individuals. Modern forms of communication and technology can create a sense of isolation and detachment from face-to-face interactions.

3. Social Inequality: Alienation can be caused by structural inequalities within society. Discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization can create a sense of being excluded from the mainstream, leading to feelings of alienation among disadvantaged groups.

4. Cultural Factors: Cultural norms and values can also contribute to alienation. When individuals feel that their beliefs, values, or identities are not accepted or valued by society, they may experience a sense of alienation.

Given your difficulty in finding answers in sociology books, I suggest broadening your research methods to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Utilize academic databases: Access online academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or your university library's database. Search for keywords such as "alienation" or "causes of alienation" to find relevant sociological articles, research papers, and books.

2. Consult scholarly journals: Look for journals that specialize in sociology, social theory, or critical theory. Examples include "American Sociological Review," "Social Forces," or "Theory and Society." Check the tables of contents for articles related to alienation.

3. Explore different sociological perspectives: Theories of alienation vary across different sociological perspectives, such as Marxism, functionalism, or symbolic interactionism. Exploring different theoretical frameworks can provide diverse insights into the causes of alienation.

4. Attend sociology conferences or lectures: Participate in conferences or attend lectures related to sociology to hear from scholars actively researching the topic. Engaging in discussions with experts in the field can help you gain a deeper understanding of the causes of alienation.

Remember, the study of alienation is complex and multidimensional, so it is important to approach it from various angles. By exploring different sources and perspectives, you will be able to develop a comprehensive understanding of the causes of alienation.