déclencher des société

This is a high-level verb phrase that makes you sound very engaged and articulate. You use the verb déclencher (to trigger or spark) followed by the object un débat de société (a societal debate). You can also use it in the plural: déclencher des débats de société. It’s a transitive phrase, so you need a subject—usually a movie, a book, a new law, or a specific event. For example, "This documentary will déclencher un débat de société." It’s a strong phrase, so save it for things that actually matter to the collective public, not just your group of friends.

You’ll hear this constantly in French media, politics, and intellectual circles. It’s perfect for when you’re discussing a serious film, a controversial tweet from a politician, or a major change in the law. If you’re at a dinner party and want to sound like a true French intellectual, this is your golden ticket. It shows you’re thinking about the 'big picture' and how individual events affect the whole country. It’s also great for university essays or professional meetings where you’re analyzing trends.

Don’t use this for trivial things unless you’re being incredibly sarcastic. If you and your friends are arguing about whether pineapple belongs on pizza, saying it’s déclencher un débat de société is overkill (though it might get a laugh). Avoid it in very casual, slang-heavy environments where people aren't interested in 'deep' topics. Also, remember that déclencher is a powerful verb; don't use it for a quiet, polite conversation. This phrase implies heat, friction, and widespread interest.

France has a long-standing love affair with 'le débat.' Intellectualizing daily life is practically a national sport. From the Enlightenment philosophers to modern-day talk shows, the French value the act of public disagreement as a way to progress. A 'fait de société' (a social phenomenon) often leads to a débat de société. Whether it’s about the 35-hour work week or the use of smartphones in schools, the French believe that if a topic is worth talking about, it’s worth debating passionately in public.

You might hear lancer un débat (to launch a debate), which is slightly softer. If things get really heated, people might say provoquer une polémique (to provoke a controversy). If a topic is just starting to get people talking, you could say it alimente la discussion (feeds the discussion). However, déclencher un débat de société remains the most prestigious and impactful way to describe a topic that has truly captured the national imagination.