Human-centered technology adoption: Apparel industry through the lens of Marx’s Theory of Alienation, Monaragala District, Uva Province, Sri Lanka

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.