So there is a loneliness epidemic caused by capitalist alienation. However, I wonder if lack of material conditions also adds to this. I just keep seeing lots of my broke guy friends depressed because they can’t find a partner and it is so hard for them to meet new people. This makes me wonder if their financial situation is the main reason.

  • muddi [he/him]
    ·
    1 year ago

    What do you mean material conditions? The class system at large? Sure, ultimately, but it's alienation that would be the more specific Marxist term, and maybe some post-modernism would apply here as well to explain phenomenal like how much consumerism is involved in relationships now eg. a nice date means eating at an expensive restaurant

    Removing some aspects of alienation should help, definitely. I used to live in a large cooperative house where I felt the most connected to others in the same state as me. As opposed to the competition and awkwardness of school and work otherwise. I also feel more connected when with my extended family back in the old country, where multi-generational housing is more common, and old traditions like farmers' markets still exist.

    • UlyssesT [he/him]
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      1 year ago

      It is unfortunate that just physically being around other people is both difficult to make time for and often impractical in the atomized and alienated work/school conditions that people are forced into if they're in any sort of economic precarity.

      Simply put, we shouldn't have to live like that.