Abstract:
Over the past thirty years, Sri Lanka has become a leading apparel producer, known for ethical
branding and sustainability. However, many workers still face marginalization, with low
wages, long hours, and few opportunities for advancement. This study uses Karl Marx’s theory
of alienation to explore worker experiences in a small apparel factory in Bibile, Monaragala
District, Uva Province, Sri Lanka. The research aimed to analyze alienation from productive
activity, examine detachment from products, investigate relationships with co-workers, assess
estrangement from personal potential, and consider how technology influences these dynamics.
Using a qualitative case study approach, 35 workers were purposively selected, and semistructured
interviews were conducted. Data analysis involved identifying key themes using
thematic analysis. Results showed signs of alienation in all four areas outlined by Marx. Tasks
were repetitive and goal-oriented, reducing creativity and independence. Workers reported no
ownership of their work, considered wages unfair, and described themselves as “like machines.”
Social interactions varied, with some support from peers but also frequent isolation. Technology
further intensified alienation through automation, AI-based monitoring, and digital task
assignments, which limited autonomy and strengthened managerial control. Nonetheless, some
participants noted that machinery lowered physical strain and increased efficiency, suggesting
that under supportive conditions, technology can also reduce alienation. These results highlight
alienation as both a social and psychological issue, affecting morale, well-being, and commitment
to the organization. The study is limited by its focus on a single factory and reliance on
worker self-reports, without input from management. Future research should explore multiple
sites and involve diverse stakeholder perspectives. Practical implications underscore the importance
of factory management in addressing alienation. Managers should redesign jobs to
foster creativity, adopt participatory approaches to technology, and implement transparent wage
systems. Pilot programs can serve as testing grounds for worker-centered innovations, helping
management evaluate and refine practices before wider implementation. Such efforts are vital
to balance productivity with workers’ dignity. This study shows that sustainable growth in Sri
Lanka’s apparel industry depends not only on international recognition but also on workplace
practices that diminish alienation and promote worker well-being.
