Original text - Engels - alienation

If the concept of alienation evokes a vision of organized societies as dominated by oppressive bureaucratic structures that entrap individuals within dehumanized and amoral systems of control, the notion of anomie suggests that disorganization, rather than over organization, is what we most have to fear. Rather than posit an organizational future in which socio-economic and political life is excessively regulated by bureaucratic rules, the concept of anomie projects a scenario in which uncontrolled competition, intense class conflict and mindless, degrading work produces a breakdown of normative order.