Humans live a world of ideas: complex ideas, simple ideas, brilliant ideas, stupid ideas, etc. Ideas are the building blocks of cultural narratives which, in turn, provide societies with a common thematic thread, a handy code of conduct, a basis for interaction.
Cultural narratives are often used to explain mass events or justify mass action. However, when intractable social problems arise, there is likely something amiss with a prevailing narrative. When that happens, it helps to evaluate the ideas supporting the narrative.