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 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.
1
4,104 1,965
slaft added Education
From public school curriculum to college tuition, are our children getting the educational opportunities they deserve?
2
3,906 1,405
Poverty More Americans are living in poverty than any time since the early '90s.
3
3,480 1,853
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?
4
2,688 1,731
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?
5
3,495 1,209
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
3,059 1,666
Terrorism
Is the United States at risk for at home terrorists attacks and should the country step up efforts to end terrorism worldwide?
7
2,716 1,454
Affordable Housing
In the United States, more than 11 million households spend over half their monthly income on rent.
8
2,759 1,812
Immigration
From the Mexican border to Syrian refugees, what constitutes a fair and ethical United States immigration system?
9
2,714 1,772
Police Brutality
Roughly 23% of police misconduct reports involve the use of excessive force.
10
2,584 1,059
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?
11
3,300 1,258
Racism Some people think it's worse than ever, others think it's dead in America.
12
3,049 1,320
Bullying
In public schools, colleges, and places of work, citizens remain concerned about various forms of bullying creating a hostile atmosphere.
Does religion play too pivotal a role in politics and public education, or are efforts to keep religion out of the public sphere discriminatory?
24
2,141 940
Poaching Is it right for endangered animals to be killed for sport or products?
25
1,900 893
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
1,897 1,434
Abortion
Should women always have the right to choose or should access to abortion be limited, or even outright banned?
27
1,295 1,177
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.
Should reducing the national deficit be a top priority?
34
1,475 914
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?
35
1,740 1,372
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?
36
1,480 983
Fracking
Some believe it's safe and necessary, other think it causes earthquakes and destroys the environment.
37
1,798 1,496
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?
38
1,484 1,005
Torture
Is torture an ethical and effective means to gain information, or is torture cruel and unusual punishment that only leads to misinformation?
39
1,316 1,056
Prison Industrial Complex
Are too many Americans sent to prison and are our nation's prisoners being exploited for cheap labor?
40
1,284 953
Nuclear Power
Is nuclear power a safe and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel, or a dangerous form of alternative energy?
41
1,615 1,177
Islamophobia
Due to heightened fears over terrorism in the Middle East, is the United States mistreating its Muslim population?
42
1,308 1,062
Drones
Now widely available to companies, government officials, and private citizens, do drones pose a threat to your privacy or even your safety?
43
1,598 1,322
Transgender Issues
Public Religion Research Institute found 72% of Americans support legal protection for transgender people - where do you stand?
44
1,512 1,663
Gender Equality Is the pay gap between men and women overblown, or a serious problem?
45
987 1,688
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?
