An analysis of Marx’s alienation theory is the starting point for establishing if alienation would actually be cancelled in a system of self-managed firms. As Marx held that alienation comes at various degrees and is strongest in capitalistic systems with hired labor, the author argues that democratic firm management would doubtless reduce alienation in general, but not eliminate those forms that are specifically related to the division of labor, to scarcity, and the resulting need to work for one’s daily bread. The author closes his paper with a criticism of Bigo’s approach to alienation in centrally planned economic systems and an analysis of capitalism as an inversed world.

Jel classification: B1, B14, J54, P13, P5