We Swim in Oceans of Ideology that Pass as Common Sense by Wayne Martin Mellinger, PH.D.

We Swim in Oceans of Ideology that Pass as Common Sense

August 16th, 2008 by waynemellinger

We Swim in Oceans of Ideology that Pass as Commonsense

Wayne Martin Mellinger, Ph.D.

[originally written in 2008, it was re-written in 2024]

We Swim in Oceans of Ideology that Pass as Common Sense

It is often said that ideology is like the air we breathe: invisible, taken for granted, and vital for our social existence. Yet, like fish in water, we are often unaware of the ideological currents that shape our beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions of reality. The concept of ideology, popularized by Karl Marx and further developed by scholars like Louis Althusser and Antonio Gramsci, refers to the set of ideas, values, and norms that dominate a society and serve to justify its power structures. Far from being neutral or objective, ideology works to normalize and naturalize the status quo, making social arrangements appear inevitable and unquestionable.

One of the most insidious aspects of ideology is its ability to masquerade as “common sense.” Common sense refers to the shared assumptions, habits, and practices that are so deeply ingrained that they seem self-evident. When something is labeled as “common sense,” it typically implies that questioning it is foolish or irrational. This rhetorical framing is a powerful tool for maintaining social control because it discourages critical thinking and dissent. As the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci observed, common sense is not inherently progressive or reactionary; it is a contradictory mixture of historical residues and lived experiences that can be shaped to serve various interests.

Consider, for example, the pervasive belief in meritocracy—the idea that individuals succeed or fail based solely on their talent, effort, and abilities. While this belief is often treated as common sense, it obscures the structural inequalities and systemic barriers that profoundly shape life outcomes. The meritocratic ideology suggests that the wealthy and powerful have earned their positions through hard work and intelligence, while the poor are to blame for their own plight. This narrative not only legitimizes economic inequality but also fosters a sense of individualism that undermines collective solidarity and action.

Another example of ideology masquerading as common sense is the notion that “there is no alternative” to capitalism. Popularized by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s, this claim has become a cornerstone of neoliberal ideology. By framing capitalism as the only viable economic system, this perspective discourages exploration of alternative models and stifles imaginative possibilities for a more equitable and sustainable future. In this way, the ideology of capitalism becomes so deeply embedded in everyday life that it is rarely recognized as ideology at all.

The media, education systems, and cultural institutions play crucial roles in perpetuating ideological common sense. Through repeated exposure to certain narratives, symbols, and representations, individuals internalize dominant ideologies without necessarily being aware of them. For instance, advertisements often promote consumerism as a path to happiness and fulfillment, reinforcing the idea that individual consumption is the primary means of achieving the good life. Similarly, history textbooks frequently present a sanitized version of events that upholds national myths and downplays the struggles and contributions of marginalized groups.

The consequences of living in a sea of ideological common sense are profound. When dominant ideologies are naturalized, they limit the horizons of what people perceive as possible or desirable. This can lead to a kind of ideological blindness, where individuals are unable to recognize the ways in which their beliefs and actions are shaped by larger social forces. Moreover, the normalization of ideology often serves to marginalize and delegitimize alternative perspectives, framing them as unrealistic, radical, or dangerous.

However, ideology is not monolithic or immutable. Just as dominant ideologies shape society, counter-ideologies emerge to challenge them. Social movements, critical scholarship, and grassroots activism play vital roles in exposing the ideological underpinnings of common sense and expanding the realm of possibility. By questioning taken-for-granted assumptions and offering alternative visions of the world, these efforts can disrupt the power of ideology and open space for transformative change.

To swim against the currents of ideological common sense requires both critical awareness and collective action. First, it involves cultivating a reflexive understanding of the ways in which ideology operates in our lives. This means interrogating the assumptions, values, and norms that we often take for granted and considering whose interests they serve. Second, it requires building solidarity with others to create spaces where alternative ideas and practices can flourish. Only by recognizing and resisting the ideological forces that shape our world can we begin to imagine and construct a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, ideology is not merely an abstract concept but a lived reality that permeates every aspect of our social existence. By passing as common sense, dominant ideologies maintain and reinforce existing power structures, often to the detriment of marginalized and oppressed groups. Yet, through critical engagement and collective struggle, it is possible to challenge these ideological currents and chart new courses toward a more inclusive and equitable world. Recognizing the oceans of ideology in which we swim is the first step toward transforming them.