List Rules Vote up the issues you care about the most, no matter what side you're on.
More than ever, Americans have their finger on the pulse of social issues - and they aren't shy about expressing it. Social media has become a forum, allowing more Americans than ever to openly express their opinions about current events. While polling has the economy in general as the most vital social issue in America, it's far from the only thing that has Americans paying attention. If op-eds, political talk shows, and topics trending on social media are any indication, Americans today care about an incredibly diverse range of topics. We now live in an age where anyone can have their voice heard with just a few clicks. This means previously overlooked sociological concerns are ripe for examination - and some healthy debate.
What popular social issues do you care most about? There are those issues that hit closest to home. Educational issues like student debt are a major concern. Civil rights, poverty, and access to affordable housing are current concerns that affect many in a direct, immediate fashion. Other societal problems represent larger - and often more existential - concerns. The environment, climate change, and the ethics of scientific research affect us all, but their implications are often felt in an indirect fashion. Nevertheless, you may still feel a passionate dedication to these types of causes. Here you will find examples of major social issues as well as names of types of different challenges society faces.
Where do you stand on the list of current social issues below? How do you think the United States, and the world in general, are doing at addressing them? Vote up the social issues that mean the most to you.
list ordered by
1
5,934 2,456
slaft added Education
From public school curriculum to college tuition, are our children getting the educational opportunities they deserve?
2
5,671 1,676
Poverty More Americans are living in poverty than any time since the early '90s.
3
3,861 2,073
Ineffective Government
As of 2017, polls indicated public trust in the government was at all time lows. Should the government work to function more efficiently?
4
4,703 2,247
Civil Rights
Are there equal opportunities for people of all races in the United States? How far do stil we need to go to ensure equality?
5
4,864 1,420
Pollution
The United States is second only to China when it comes to producing greenhouse gas. Should the country do more to lessen its carbon footprint?
6
3,935 2,176
Immigration
From the Mexican border to Syrian refugees, what constitutes a fair and ethical United States immigration system?
7
3,957 2,052
Terrorism
Is the United States at risk for at home terrorists attacks and should the country step up efforts to end terrorism worldwide?
8
3,638 1,712
Affordable Housing
In the United States, more than 11 million households spend over half their monthly income on rent.
9
2,975 1,457
Homelessness
Over 500,000 people in the United States are homeless. What can be done to get people off the streets?
10
3,645 2,161
Police Brutality
Roughly 23% of police misconduct reports involve the use of excessive force.
11
3,598 1,280
Student Loan Debt
Half of all people with a bachelor's degree and outstanding student loan debts say their degree was not worth the investment. Should we do more to lessen tuition costs?
12
4,417 1,550
Racism Some people think it's worse than ever, others think it's dead in America.
13
3,028 2,110
Moral Decline
Many Americans think our morals as a country are worse than ever.
14
2,952 1,159
Green Energy
Is investing in solar panels and wind power a pricey waste of time, or something that could create jobs and protect the environment?
15
3,523 1,472
Climate Change Is it a threat to our existence or a hoax?
16
2,487 1,421
Unemployment
While employment rates are trending up overall nationwide, a good chunk of the country remains unemployed or underemployed.
17
3,903 1,595
Bullying
In public schools, colleges, and places of work, citizens remain concerned about various forms of bullying creating a hostile atmosphere.
18
2,809 1,670
Income Inequality
The top 1% of Americans make twice as much as the bottom 90% - should the United States be doing more to equalize income?
19
2,118 1,451
Corporate Influence
Many Americans feel corporations have too much sway in politics and the media. Should there be limits to corporate power?
20
3,086 1,401
Animal Rights
From ethical concerns over factory farms to issues of animal testing, many Americans feel we should do more to ensure the moral treatment of animals.
21
1,864 1,497
Health Care Reform
Do enough Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare?
22
2,618 1,705
Abortion
Should women always have the right to choose or should access to abortion be limited, or even outright banned?
23
2,447 1,091
Nuclear Weapons
With more and more countries becoming nuclear capable, should we be concerned about the possibility of nuclear war?
24
2,092 1,488
Defense Spending The US outspends every other country in the world on its military. Is it too much?
25
2,421 1,068
Childhood Obesity
The rate of childhood obesity is nearly 20% and rising. Should the government be doing more to promote healthy eating and exercise?
26
2,313 1,425
Separation of Church and State
Does religion play too pivotal a role in politics and public education, or are efforts to keep religion out of the public sphere discriminatory?
27
2,676 1,151
Poaching Is it right for endangered animals to be killed for sport or products?
28
1,518 1,336
Campaign Finance Reform
Some feel having no cap on campaign donations can lead to unfair corporate and private influence over politics, while others feel companies and citizens should be free to donate money as they see fit.
29
2,115 1,150
Vaccines
Vaccines can help prevent dangerous diseases, but some fear routine shots can cause serious complications. Should vaccines be mandatory for everyone?
30
1,836 1,185
Surveillance
The government seems to have more access to our personal lives than ever before. What can we do to ensure our privacy?
31
2,110 997
Overpopulation
With the world's population growing at unprecedented rates, do we have the resources to handle this spike in numbers?
32
2,411 1,704
Gun Control
Do private citizens have the right to own guns - including assault rifles - or should access to fire arms be limited for public safety?
33
1,259 775
RobLein added The Deficit
Should reducing the national deficit be a top priority?
34
2,321 1,668
Same-Sex Marriage
Americans are now free to marry a same sex partner in all 50 states. Is this a right that should be protected or abolished?
35
2,199 1,074
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Studying stem cells from early stage embryos could help doctors study and possibly cure various diseases. But is using them ethical?
36
1,709 1,107
Capital Punishment
The United States is one of only four industrialized countries that still allows capital punishment. Is it a fair consequence of crime or a cruel and unusual form of discipline?
37
1,694 1,160
Fracking
Some believe it's safe and necessary, other think it causes earthquakes and destroys the environment.
38
1,558 1,205
Prison Industrial Complex
Are too many Americans sent to prison and are our nation's prisoners being exploited for cheap labor?
39
1,729 1,211
Torture
Is torture an ethical and effective means to gain information, or is torture cruel and unusual punishment that only leads to misinformation?
40
1,489 1,112
Nuclear Power
Is nuclear power a safe and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel, or a dangerous form of alternative energy?
41
2,008 1,388
Islamophobia
Due to heightened fears over terrorism in the Middle East, is the United States mistreating its Muslim population?
42
2,021 1,655
Transgender Issues
Public Religion Research Institute found 72% of Americans support legal protection for transgender people - where do you stand?
43
2,028 1,982
Gender Equality Is the pay gap between men and women overblown, or a serious problem?
44
1,452 1,328
Drones
Now widely available to companies, government officials, and private citizens, do drones pose a threat to your privacy or even your safety?
45
1,350 1,927
War on Drugs
Is the War on Drugs addressing a serious public health threat or is it an overblown response that does more harm than good?
