Abstract: The subject of this article is the phenomenon of alienation, which can be interpreted not only from the perspective of interrelation between labor and its outcome, but also in a much broader context. In social theory, the problem of alienation is one of the key in understanding of the mechanism of social development process. Social contradictions manifest through the processes of alienation; and vice versa, contradictions become apparent through the processes of alienation. This article traces the evolution of separate forms of alienation in historical retrospect. An attempt is made to determine the current state of the existing forms of economic, political, social and spiritual alienation in the Western and Russian societies. The author suggests the possible ways to overcome them. The novelty of this work lies in the author's attempt to examine the processes unfolding in modern world as a reflection of the processes of alienation and their modifications. The conclusion is made that if the contradictions are the source of development, the task of government representatives is to take control, manage and mitigate the internal processes of alienation in the society. With the advent of postindustrial era, the globalization processes altered the liberal model of social development. We can witness that capitalism ceases to be a formation that ensures progressive development. Humanity enters a transitional period of its history, similar to the Renaissance Era. Examination of the processes of alienation in the society would contribute to the proper response to challenges of the time.