EVALUATION OF MARX ALIENATION THEORY, ELITE ACTIVITIES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON POLICY PROCESS IN NIGERIA'S FOURTH REPUBLIC

Abstract

The prevalence of alienation has manifested itself and being sustained through the
contradictions emanating from capitalist development. Capitalism has perpetuated class
antagonism which breeds dissatisfaction amongst people in a bid to seek equality and justice
in the distribution of power and economic resources.This studyexamines Marx Alienation
Theory Vis-À-Vis Elite Activities and their Influence on Policy Process in Nigeria. The study
used qualitative and content analysis method in analyzing the information generated for the
study.Against this backdrop the Elite theory was used as our theoretical framework. Cases
and instances from the content analysis showed that; Marx's theory of alienation can prove
fruitful in understanding social movement activity and promoting social justice. Findings of
the paper observed that, Nigeria elite attitudes are not farfetched from the protection of the
corporate self-interests of the few ruling minority as against the views of the general
populace, a conspicuous feature of an elitist state which needs to be urgently tamed if
Nigeria ever wants to witness any meaningful socio-economic and political emancipation,
liberation and development of her citizens through viable policy decisions. A way out of this is
to create mechanism to open up more equitable access to power and economic opportunities
which could lead to full capacity utilization of people's potentials and subsequently empower
them with incomes and improved living conditions; this requires both commitment and
diplomacy for government to undertake under the banner of collective responsibility and
good governance.