Alienation and the Sociology of Alfred Schutz

Abstract

This article investigates the phenomenon of alienation as its rendition relates to the sociology of Alfred Schutz. Its goal is to augment our understanding of alienation within the context of Schutz and hermeneutic-phenomenology’s interpretation of intersubjectivity. It responds to the question: “If the World is indeed so profoundly intersubjective”, as Schutz’s sociology and hermeneutic-phenomenology suggest, “why does the everyday person dwelling in the life-world of the natural attitude commonly not endure it?” This article begins with a review of Schutz’s apparent neglect to address the phenomenon of alienation then responds to the capital question it poses with a hermeneutic-phenomenological exhibition of the matter that aims to compliment his sociology. Transcendental-horizonal and being-historical expositions of alienation are provided. The article concludes with a return to Schutz’s sociology to determine whether it contains a hidden interpretation of alienation in light of the preceding analysis. The final section also tables considerations for further sociological and phenomenological research of alienation.