QUALITATIVE CHANGES IN THE LABOR MARKET: THE TRANSFORMATION OF ALIENATION RELATIONS

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of digitalization, increasing the level of education of the population, and the implementation of social programs to support small and medium-sized enterprises as one of the tools for solving social issues, there is a need to rethink the characteristics of the labor market in order to determine the directions of its qualitative changes. One of these is the assessment of the nature of the transformation of the relationship between labor and capital: the alienation of labor is growing, the separation of the employee from the means of production is increasing, and the employee is becoming a partial participant in the production process, realizing their entrepreneurial potential, including through government support. The purpose of the study is to systematize the arguments for and against both the strengthening and diffusion of alienation relations. We would appreciate your feedback. Materials and methods. The study uses historical, systemic, statistical, sociological, and political-economic research methods as its theoretical and methodological framework. The use of political-economic analysis is necessary to explore the relationship between social development and history, politics, and economics. Results. In the works of Hegel and Marx, the criterion for removing the relations of alienation is the increase in the individual's freedom through the use of production competencies. Its assessment depends primarily on the general characteristics of modern society. The discussion on this issue includes perspectives on society as a stage of late capitalism and the increasing role of state intervention to optimize the existence of individuals. The ambiguity of assessments leads to the existence of arguments for and against the strengthening of alienation relations. The first direction of transformation is driven by the subordination of labor to capital and the use of new digital employment tools. The second direction is characterized by increased freedom of choice in the application of labor, expanded forms of professional and interpersonal communication, and the blurring of the line between physical and mental labor. Conclusions and recommendations. The current state of society is transitional. The relationship of alienation, including that of the precariat, has not diminished in strength. Nevertheless, there are emerging trends of diffusion, which, as the order-based production becomes more systematic and wealth increases, will create more opportunities for reducing alienation.