That’s the thing, it is really hard to draw the limitations of a certain social issue. The complexities of a ‘social issue’ lies in the way you see it manifesting in society. In simpler terms, if you don’t see a certain condition as a problem, then it isn’t one. This term in itself is a subjective matter and it varies per person. Social problems are everywhere and they’re one of the few things you can never escape. These problems might as well cover all fields of life whether they may be health related, gender related, race related, etc,
Project Legal says that it is a “condition that at least some people in a community view as being undesirable.” Undesirable is something not fancied for because it may be dangerous, unnecessary, or may negatively affect a certain person or group of individuals. Joseph R. Gusfield, on the otherhand, defines “social problems” as “a claim that some condition, set of events, or group of persons constitutes a troublesome situation that needs to be changed or ameliorated.” A certain way of living or a problem is not a social one if it does not interfere with already existing beliefs and views of individuals. Consequently, Social issues define ideals and standards held in society, and eventually molds the perceptions of a person to a group of people to regard something as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘pleasing, or ‘unpleasing’.
2. How should I deal with social issues and 3. why should I bother knowing them?
Due to the complicated nature of social issues, the best way to go about them is by defining them first, and then weighing its pros and cons. For instance, let’s take Sexist Advertising a try.
Abortion
Prostitution
Poverty
Corruption
Discrimination
Euthanasia
Capital Punishment
Illegal Logging
Above all, being aware of social issues could do most good in the way we can improve our living conditions and in the way all parts of society take part in helping achieve it. If a certain issue is assumed to be troublesome, all members of society can pitch in with ideas and look for ways in making the situation more comfortable. Sure, not everyone will agree to all the conditions but at the end of the day, all that we deal with in this world are mere compromises.