Spanish society is facing an unusual phenomenon: the term ‘common sense’ has become a key argument in debates about justice and social norms. According to El Pais, over the past year this expression has appeared in the Spanish press more frequently than in any other European country. This trend is influencing how traditions are perceived and how important social issues are discussed.
In recent years, ‘common sense’ has been increasingly used as a tool to justify controversial decisions and spark moral panics. Some public figures and politicians are turning this concept into a catch-all argument that replaces deeper analysis and discussion. As a result, many older Spaniards begin to confuse familiar customs with actual justice, leading to misunderstandings of new laws and initiatives.
Manipulation and consequences
This is especially evident in debates around minority rights and gender identity. A recent statement by director Santiago Segura, claiming that Bibiana Fernández deserved to be recognized as a woman while other transgender people do not, sparked a strong reaction. He justified his view specifically by appealing to ‘common sense’, which he argued should guide the entire country. Such remarks deepen divisions in society and create false ideas about what is fair and what is simply familiar.
As El Pais notes, in other Western countries that still retain elements of social justice and access to education and healthcare, similar debates do not reach this scale. In the US, by contrast, public debates are increasingly replaced by radical actions or religious slogans instead of seeking compromise. In Spain, however, ‘common sense’ becomes a kind of shield for conservative views, which makes it harder to advance progressive reforms.
Impact on society
The widespread use of the term ‘common sense’ in the media leads many to perceive it as absolute truth. This hinders the objective assessment of new laws, such as the 2023 Transgender Rights Act. As a result, some in society begin to fear changes, seeing them as a threat to their familiar way of life. Such fears are actively fueled by certain politicians who use ‘common sense’ to mobilize supporters.
According to El Pais, experts warn that excessive reliance on this term may result in real problems going unnoticed. Instead of seeking solutions, society becomes fixated on debates about what is considered normal. This complicates dialogue between different generations and social groups.
Context and comparisons
In other regions of Europe, similar processes also spark debate, but not to the extent seen in Spain. For instance, in Catalonia, budget discussions have been marked by appeals to traditional values and ‘common sense,’ which triggered lively debates among politicians and experts. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that such arguments are often used to justify controversial decisions, as was the case with the unexpected move by the Catalan government when approving the budget.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced situations where familiar concepts have become sources of fierce debate. For example, discussions on education reform or changes to the healthcare system have involved frequent use of the term ‘common sense’ as an argument against new measures. Similar trends have emerged elsewhere in Europe, yet it is in Spain that this term has gained particular popularity and become part of political rhetoric. This reflects profound changes in public consciousness and highlights the need for a critical approach to longstanding notions.
