What was central to the idea of alienation for Karl Marx?

For Karl Marx, alienation was central to his critique of capitalism and referred to the estrangement of individuals from their labor, the products they create, and their fellow workers. He argued that under capitalism, workers become disconnected from the fruits of their labor, leading to a loss of personal identity and fulfillment. This alienation stems from the commodification of labor, where work becomes a means of survival rather than a source of joy and creativity. Ultimately, Marx believed that overcoming alienation was essential for achieving a just and equitable society.