What is a contemporary issue? What are some examples?
People do not (yet) agree on issues. Contemporary issues are the issues of this time. For example, global warming was not an issue in the past, but today it is subject of a big debate (the President of the US has trivialized global warming while many others believe that the US is responsible for much of it).
A “contemporary issue” refers to a current problem or topic that is actively being debated and discussed in society today, often with significant societal impact; examples include climate change, political polarization, economic inequality, healthcare access, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Key points about contemporary issues:
- Relevance to the present: They are issues happening “now” and are actively being addressed.
- Ongoing debate: Often there are different perspectives and solutions being discussed around a contemporary issue.
- Social impact: These issues can significantly affect people’s lives and communities.
Some examples of contemporary issues:
- Environmental issues: Climate change, deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss
- Social issues: Racial injustice, gender inequality, poverty, homelessness
- Political issues: Election integrity, political polarization, international conflicts
- Economic issues: Income inequality, unemployment, global financial instability
- Technological issues: Cybersecurity, privacy concerns, AI ethics
- Healthcare issues: Access to healthcare, medical advancements, pandemic preparedness
The definition of contemporary issues is: Any Issues which have its implications, applicability, relevance, significance, effect and material presence in the present time or at a given frame (period) of time can be sorted as Contemporary issues. “A contemporary issue can be defined as any event, idea, opinion, or topic in a given subject that is relevant to the present day.
Contemporary issues can be found in almost any matter of interest.” If one were talking world politics, the contemporary issues would be Syria, the fight against extremists such as ISSAL or the Taliban, dealing with North Korea or Iran, Russia and it’s many antics, etc. In US politics, contemporary issues may include border issues, illegal entry across US borders, President Trump, the Mueller investigation, and an even more contemporary issue would be the confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee.
A contemporary issue can be defined as any event, idea, opinion, or topic in a given subject that is relevant to the present day. A contemporary issue can be found in almost any matter of interest. An example of a contemporary social issue in the US would be the concern about police violence against blacks and immigration issues.
Particularly related to DACA. A contemporary issue is anything pressing in our society today, usually a political or social issue that affects the present day.
Reading Across the Disciplines, 7th Edition
What is a contemporary issue?
A contemporary issue is a topic, problem, or challenge that is currently relevant and has a significant impact on society, individuals, or the world at large. These issues are often the subject of discussion, debate, and analysis as people seek to understand, address, or find solutions to them. Contemporary issues can span a wide range of areas, including politics, economics, social justice, technology, the environment, and more.
Here are some examples of contemporary issues as of my last knowledge update in January 2024:
- Climate Change:
- The global rise in temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are significant concerns that impact ecosystems, communities, and economies.
- Pandemics and Public Health:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of public health infrastructure, vaccine distribution, and global collaboration in addressing health crises.
- Social Justice and Inequality:
- Issues related to racial, gender, and economic inequality are central to contemporary discussions, encompassing areas such as systemic racism, gender discrimination, and income disparities.
- Technological Impact:
- The rapid advancement of technology, including artificial intelligence, automation, and digital privacy concerns, raises questions about their impact on employment, society, and individual rights.
- Political Polarization:
- Divisive political climates, both within nations and globally, have led to increased polarization, with implications for governance, democracy, and civic discourse.
- Cybersecurity:
- The rise of cyber threats, hacking, and data breaches pose challenges to individuals, organizations, and governments in safeguarding digital information and infrastructure.
- Migration and Refugees:
- Displacement due to conflict, persecution, and environmental factors has led to discussions about immigration policies, human rights, and global responsibilities.
- Mental Health Awareness:
- Increasing recognition of mental health issues and the need for improved access to mental health services are important contemporary concerns.
- Global Governance and Cooperation:
- Addressing global challenges, such as climate change, requires international cooperation and discussions about the effectiveness of global governance structures.
- Educational Disparities:
- Disparities in access to quality education, exacerbated by factors like socioeconomic status and geographic location, remain a significant issue globally.
It’s important to note that the list is not exhaustive, and the prominence of specific contemporary issues can evolve over time as new challenges emerge. Additionally, the way these issues are perceived and addressed can vary across different regions and cultures.
Social issues are really anything that is a concern for society. They’ll depend somewhat on the culture, community, and country.
Here are 25 perennial ones for citizens of the United States:
- Gun Control/Gun Rights
- Corrections/Mass Incarceration
- Domestic and Gender Violence
- Children
- Child Care
- Educational equity/Educational access/Educational choice
- Workers Rights (fair treatment)
- Human Trafficking
- Immigration and Refugees
- Healthcare/Healthcare Reform
- Food/Health Access
- Law Enforcement
- Racial Equality
- Gender Equality
- Marriage Equality (LBGTQ Rights)
- Fair pay and Equal pay
- Environment and Water
- Religious Expression
- Fair Elections and Voters Rights
- Contraceptive (Women’s) Rights
- Right to Life
- Housing
- Gentrification
- Animal Rights
- Immunizations
I go to a liberal arts and science school in Central Ontario, which is based in a little city of just under 80,000 people. The local pro-life signs originally looked like this, with maybe 15 of them scattered around town. It includes a picture of a baby with the phrase “Take my hand, not my life”, and a phone number for the local Peterborough Pregnancy and Support Services center for anyone who might want to choose another option other than abortion.
That’s it.
There are no graphic illustrations of torn-up fetuses’, no accusatory attacking statements towards women, not even any urge to ask for donations. Literally just a sign saying, Hey! There is another choice! You don’t have to abort your baby!
Regardless of these facts, every single one of these signs was graffitied across the entire downtown area in a similar fashion to the first sign above. “Now why is this a social issue?” you might ask. “These are the actions of a minority, so why is society at large to blame?”.
What is a contemporary issue?
The answer lies in society’s reaction to these vandal’s methods. No matter which side of the political spectrum you’re on, we can all agree that the destruction of public property is wrong. Yet this vandalism and distortion of a message which is not even harmful, just contrary to popular university student opinion is being celebrated!
Now I’m not one to make assumptions, but if I were going to bet about who spray painted, marked, and cut up these signs. You better believe my money is on a bunch of students from my university—perhaps even from the gender studies department? but maybe I’m reading into it too much) and not the local permanent community.
When these signs came up in a Facebook discussion among students my age, the vast majority of the students praised these acts of vandalism. Saying things like, “Any mention of abortion can trigger a woman into mental breakdown” and “This graphic message is unfit for the public.
It’s right that it was covered up in the eyes of society!” and my favorite, “No one has the right to refuse the choice of women!”.
What are the contemporary challenges?
Critically engage with key challenges that contemporary societies are facing today, such as climate change, migration, populism, racism and economic inequality.
As of my last knowledge update in January 2024, several contemporary challenges are being faced globally, impacting societies, economies, and the environment. These challenges often require attention, analysis, and collaborative efforts to address. Keep in mind that the status and prominence of challenges can evolve, and new issues may emerge. Here are some contemporary challenges:
- COVID-19 Pandemic:
- The ongoing global pandemic has led to significant health, economic, and societal challenges, affecting individuals and communities worldwide.
- Climate Change:
- Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation pose threats to ecosystems, communities, and global stability.
- Global Health Inequities:
- Disparities in healthcare access, vaccine distribution, and health outcomes highlight global health inequities.
- Economic Inequality:
- Income disparities, wealth concentration, and economic inequality contribute to social and political tensions.
- Digital Divide:
- Unequal access to digital technologies and the internet creates disparities in education, employment, and social inclusion.
- Cybersecurity Threats:
- Increasing cyber threats, including hacking, data breaches, and ransomware attacks, pose risks to individuals, businesses, and governments.
- Political Polarization:
- Divisive political climates within nations and on a global scale challenge effective governance and civic discourse.
- Migration and Displacement:
- Forced migration due to conflict, persecution, and environmental factors leads to humanitarian challenges and strains on host communities.
- Food Security:
- Ensuring a stable and equitable food supply for a growing global population faces challenges such as climate-related disruptions and distribution issues.
- Biodiversity Loss:
- The decline in biodiversity due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change poses threats to ecosystems and human well-being.
- Educational Disruptions:
- Disruptions to education, exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality education.
- Mental Health Crisis:
- Increasing awareness of mental health issues and the need for accessible mental health services underscore the importance of addressing this crisis.
- Geopolitical Tensions:
- Tensions and conflicts between nations raise concerns about peace, stability, and international cooperation.
- Social Justice Movements:
- Movements advocating for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality highlight ongoing challenges related to systemic discrimination.
- Water Scarcity:
- Shortages of clean water in certain regions pose challenges to communities and agricultural practices.
Addressing these contemporary challenges often requires coordinated efforts at local, national, and global levels, involving governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. It’s essential to stay informed and engaged in discussions about these challenges to work towards viable solutions.
What is a contemporary world issue?
Contemporary World Issues explores the complex interactions between nations and peoples in today’s world.
A contemporary world issue is a significant problem, challenge, or concern that affects the global community and has implications for societies, economies, and the environment on an international scale. These issues are complex and often require cooperation and collaboration among nations and stakeholders to address effectively. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, some contemporary world issues include:
- Climate Change:
- The warming of the planet, resulting in rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.
- Global Health Pandemics:
- Health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with implications for public health, economies, and international collaboration.
- Economic Inequality:
- Disparities in income and wealth distribution, both within and between countries, contributing to social and economic tensions.
- Cybersecurity Threats:
- Increasing cyber threats, including hacking, data breaches, and attacks on critical infrastructure, pose risks to global security.
- Refugee and Migration Crisis:
- Forced migration due to conflict, persecution, and environmental factors, leading to humanitarian challenges.
- Nuclear Proliferation:
- The spread of nuclear weapons and the potential for nuclear conflicts, posing risks to international peace.
- Political Instability:
- Political unrest, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions affecting regions across the world.
- Global Trade and Economic Interdependence:
- Challenges related to international trade, economic interdependence, and protectionist policies impacting global economic stability.
- Biodiversity Loss:
- The decline in species diversity and ecosystems, with consequences for the environment and human well-being.
- Water Scarcity:
- Shortages of clean water in various regions, leading to challenges in agriculture, industry, and human consumption.
- Human Rights Violations:
- Systematic abuses of human rights in different parts of the world, including issues related to freedom, equality, and justice.
- Technology and Privacy Concerns:
- Ethical and privacy challenges associated with advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and surveillance.
- Educational Disparities:
- Inequalities in access to quality education, exacerbated by factors such as poverty and conflict.
- Mental Health Crisis:
- Increasing recognition of mental health issues and the need for accessible mental health services on a global scale.
- Social Justice Movements:
- Movements advocating for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality, highlighting ongoing challenges related to systemic discrimination.
These contemporary world issues are interconnected and multifaceted, requiring coordinated efforts from governments, international organizations, civil society, and individuals to find sustainable solutions. It’s important to note that the global landscape is dynamic, and new issues may emerge over time. Addressing these challenges often involves fostering international cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and advocating for social justice.
What are the 4 types of contemporary issues?
Contemporary issues have political, economic, social, historic and geographic components. Approaches to addressing global and regional issues reflect historical influences and multiple perspectives.
Contemporary issues are diverse and can be categorized into various types based on their nature, impact, and the areas of society they affect. While the classification may vary, here are four broad types of contemporary issues:
- Social Issues:
- Examples: Racial and gender inequality, social justice movements, human rights violations, immigration challenges, LGBTQ+ rights, poverty, and social disparities.
- Economic Issues:
- Examples: Income inequality, economic globalization, trade tensions, unemployment, poverty, financial crises, and economic disparities between nations.
- Environmental Issues:
- Examples: Climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, resource depletion, water scarcity, and environmental degradation.
- Technological Issues:
- Examples: Cybersecurity threats, digital privacy concerns, artificial intelligence ethics, automation and job displacement, and the impact of technology on social relationships.
It’s important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, and many contemporary issues intersect across multiple domains. For instance, climate change is both an environmental and economic issue, while issues of inequality often have social and economic dimensions. The dynamic nature of contemporary challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts to address them effectively.
What is a social issue?
Ironically, these people are missing the very obvious fact that by purposefully covering the phone number and message of these signs, they actually take away the mother’s choice to choose literally anything except abortion. Which was all the sign was promoting. Society’s problem today is that if anything is offensive, heck, if anyone disagrees with you, then they are a Nazi. And we are supposed to punch such Nazis.
How about instead having an open, honest and civilized conversation with our political opponents, rather than exclaiming, “They hate group X !”, and completely discounting what they have to say as hate speech and political heresy.
Social problems afflict large sectors of the population and have to do with the objective and subjective conditions of life in society. Its causes can find in economic, political, etc. In addition, social problems often have consequences in other dimensions of the life of a nation.
Social problems have existed since the very beginning of humanity, although they have been worse than others at certain times and situations, as is customary. They have become a recurring concern of popular governments and international NGOs or multilateral organizations like the UN or UNICEF.
One of the significant drawbacks of social problems is that they are challenging to solve; it is difficult to reach a consensus regarding which are more urgent or the methodology to respond to them.
Causes of social problems
Social problems can come from different causes, depending on the nature of the problem. For example, economic and opportunity inequality is usually a consequence of the historical construction of a society of very rich and very poor people.
On the other hand, economic inequalities can also result from political dynamics that have catastrophic effects on the economy, which only the wealthiest population can survive.
Furthermore, poverty and a lack of resources often translate into violent attitudes, social resentment, criminality, and the proliferation of other criminal activities. Sometimes desperation leads to breaking the laws of a society perceived as unfair. Therefore, it is not easy to find the causes of the social problems that the world suffers from.
What is a contemporary issue?
The reality that is lived in different parts of the world is different. For this reason, we must learn to open our eyes and become aware of the problems of today’s world in a global way, not only to know them but to know what their causes are, learn to prevent them, and seek solutions. Therefore, it is essential to get informed and take action. Do you want to know the main problems of today’s world? We tell you.
Current world problems that concern us all
Knowing what is happening around us helps us understand the fundamental importance of each problem. Some of the most outstanding issues of the current world, of which we must be aware to get down to work are the following:
The hunger in the world
Within the Sustainable Development Goals for the year 2030, we can highlight 2.1, which is the eradication of hunger, and 2.2, which is the eradication of malnutrition in all its forms. The FAO (United Nations International Fund for Food and Agriculture) report “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World—2017” analyzes these goals and the progress made to achieve them.
According to this report, hunger decreased during the last ten years, only to increase again and affect 815 million people in 2016 (11% of the world’s population). The two leading causes of hunger are violent conflict and weather disturbances. 489 million hungry people live in countries in conflict.
Hunger has a severe effect on children: according to the report above, some 155 million children under the age of 5 are stunted (short height for their age), and 52 million children are underweight for their size.
Hunger seriously affected South Sudan in 2017, and there is a risk that it will spread to other countries such as Nigeria, Somalia, or Yemen experiencing conflicts.
If we analyze the figures by continent, we see that hunger mainly affects Asia (520 million people), Africa (243 million), Latin America, and the Caribbean (43 million).
Inequality
The 2018 Global Inequality Report, prepared by the World Inequality Lab, states that inequality has increased in almost the entire world, although at a different speed. One of the most critical data points highlighted in this report is that the top 1% of the population received twice as much income as the bottom 50%, while the middle class shrank.
However, inequality is not only about income; it also has to do with gender. The disparity between men and women is highlighted by organizations such as the UN Women, which highlights how women occupy less than a third of mid- or high-level management positions, or Eurostat, which in its 2016 report established that the wage gap in Spain between men and women is 14.9%.
pollution
We have all heard of global warming: the rise in the average temperature of the Earth and the oceans due to the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Therefore, air pollution is directly related to the phenomenon of global warming.
Pollution affects our health and has negative consequences for the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, air pollution can affect the lungs and cause asthma, among other pathologies. On the other hand, the WHO highlights that in 2014, 92% of the population lived in places where its guidelines on air quality are not respected.
According to Greenpeace data, to give you an idea of the magnitude of the problem, a plastic bottle can take about 600 years to decompose and a plastic bag, 55.
access to drinking water
Water pollution and the conflicts that exist in the world and that sometimes lead to the destruction of water infrastructure are why many people do not have access to drinking water.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that 844 million people do not have a primary drinking water supply service.
On the other hand, 2,000 million people worldwide are supplied with water contaminated by feces. This water can be a source for transmitting diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, or typhoid fever. It is estimated that 842,000 people die each year from diarrhea due to contaminated water, poor sanitation, or poor hygiene, which are causes that can prevent. In addition, it is estimated that by 2025, 50% of the world’s population will live in areas with water scarcity.
Reducing the number of people without access to safe drinking water is one of the Millennium Development Goals.
The conflicts
As we have seen before, the conflicts that occur in the world are one of the leading causes of hunger, but, in addition, their most serious consequence is the forced displacement of thousands of people who have to leave their homes to save their lives. Lifetime.
According to UNHCR data, there are 65.6 million forcibly displaced persons and 22.5 million refugees globally, of which 17.2 million are under the UNHCR mandate.
Every minute, 20 people are forced to flee due to conflict or persecution.
As we have just explained, many problems in the world should concern us and about which it is necessary to take measures to change the environment that surrounds us and live in a better world.
Contemporary Social Issues
Within the subject “Contemporary Social Problems,” the students shared the final essay on the course, where they talked about what the issue left them, what they liked the most, and an analysis of how they can apply it.
We share the essay by student Gabriela Loeza from the 6th semester of her dental surgeon career. It leaves us with a clear, concise, and accurate message of the reality in which we find ourselves and how much we need ethics, values and solidarity, and empathy in the face of so many problems.
Social problems have been evolving due to the changes produced in society over time, so it is necessary to know various aspects that compose them to determine the factors that originate them and how they can be solved and improved.
One way to study social problems is through theoretical approaches; the sociological system consists of studying the changes that our society has undergone since new problems have been produced; the economic system consists of understanding the effect that the economy has on society, since it is an essential factor for its development, both socially and individually.
The political approach plays a vital role since he is the one who leads a society, and must-see him throughout his community through laws and planning, a good politician is not a dictator, but someone who continuously seeks the improvement of society; the ecological approach, is responsible for ensuring natural resources since by different factions of the human being, nature and animals are affected,
To understand the nature of the problem, it is necessary to analyze the features that define a society. For this, it is essential to know and accept multiculturalism since, despite the existence of different ethnic, religious, or linguistic cultures, we are all living beings. We deserve the same respect, respecting equity. Currently, various social networks help the expression of society. However, there must always be respect for others, just as citizen movements must be expressed with care, always seeking justice and equality.
The consequences of social problems affect society, such as the economic crisis, where the most affected are mainly the workers since the need for work makes them vulnerable to labor exploitation, which leads to poverty. Which is not only referred to the lack of natural resources but also of necessary goods and services. This problem has increased due to the lack of work or poorly paid work. Which only reaches for the most essential; in the same way, it affects the country’s economy. A vital factor for eradicating this problem is education since it gives us the tools to face current issues. Unfortunately, very few have this “privilege.”
What is meant by contemporary issues?
A contemporary issue refers to an issue that is currently affecting people or places and that is unresolved. A geographic issue refers to a topic, concern or problem, debate, or controversy related to a natural and/or cultural environment, which includes a spatial dimension.
To understand contemporary political society, it is necessary to understand the political institutions and citizen participation mechanisms that articulate it and their influence on society. We all have different thoughts regarding a topic, but the important thing is to investigate and respect the opinions of others since reality depends on the eye of the beholder. Various groups are for or against a topic of social interest. For this, it is necessary to create discussion forums to seek the solution to specific problems, always seeking the well-being of all.
Sustainability and the environment are essential in society. Since human selfishness, any part of the world has been deteriorating on planet Earth without considering that we affect nature and animals. So it is necessary to be more empathic with what surrounds us. We must be responsible for our actions and analyze the impact they have. We must employ friendly strategies with the environment and planet Earth, which is everyone’s home.
Conclusion
Social problems are the result of selfish and irresponsible decisions in society. It is time to be more empathic and aware of our environment since it is the heritage of future generations and all living beings. It is necessary to use new actions of significant impact on society. Everyone must watch over the most vulnerable groups, which is why the decision lies with oneself, asking ourselves, “What am I? And what should I do to improve? Always looking for the welfare of all.
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