Writing About Social Issues
A social issue, also called a social problem, is a state of affairs that negatively affects the personal or public lives of individuals and/or larger groups within a society. Social problems are complex, multifaceted and often characterized by public disagreement as to their nature, cause and solution. Drug addiction, for example, is a social issue that has negative effects on individual addicts and their families as well as on the wider community and society at large. In general, social issues tend to be “bottom-up” in nature and involve the personal experiences of individuals. In contrast, a global problem such as climate change is often described as being “top-down.”
When writing an article about a particular issue, writers should try to present a balanced and nuanced view of the topic. They should avoid sensational or inflammatory language and avoid overstating claims, as this can exacerbate the issue rather than resolve it. They should also avoid using technical jargon and obscure references that might confuse or confuse readers. Instead, writers should write in a clear and concise manner so that anyone can understand the argument they are making.
A number of current issues are the focus of media attention. Some, like gun violence and the COVID-19 pandemic, have the potential to impact the lives of individual Americans, while others are more broad-based, such as the lack of affordable healthcare and the rights of people with disabilities. Other issues, such as climate change and the status of moral values, are of concern to all Americans.
