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.
Incel was probably too extreme of a comparison. My point is, while socialism would perhaps make it easier for individuals to confront these problems, a lot of the leg work to actually improve their situation still falls on the individual. I may have an easier time working on not being a basement dwelling troglodyte under socialism but i still would have to do the bulk of the work myself.
I imagine it would at least making working on yourself feasible, which might be enough. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to put some kind of self-improvement on the back burner because of the pressing need to focus on becoming more employable. I think having more free time and energy would do wonders for people’s personal development.
what kind of self-improvement had to go on the back burner?
Reading theory for starters. For long stretches of time, I just don’t have the mental bandwidth. Working, trying to find a new job, etc seem to leave me mentally drained more and more frequently.
Learning new things, developing hobbies, meeting new people. Going to the gym regularly or eating healthier. I have limited time and energy at the best of times.
For a recent example: I opted out of a reading and discussion group I’m really interested in, in favor of reading and learning about writing resumes and doing better in job interviews.
ok, and people are unable to do that legwork under capitalism, but they’d have much better ability to do that legwork if they weren’t being destroyed by capitalism.
I agree