essay questions about contemporary issues

Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits  – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Single-use Plastics Ban – Should single-use plastics be banned?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA

Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

© 2023 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved

• Social Media
• Death Penalty
• School Uniforms
• Video Games
• Animal Testing
• Gun Control
• Banned Books
• Teachers’ Corner

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115 Global Issues Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best global issues topic ideas & essay examples, ✍️ global issues essay topics for college, 📌 good essay topics on global issues, 💡 interesting topics to write about global issues, ❓ global issues questions.

• Water Scarcity as a Global Issue: Causes and Solutions Common causes of water scarcity include overpopulation e in regions that have limited water resources, global warming, destruction of water catchment areas by human activities, and pollution of water sources.
• Homelessness as a Global Social Issue In the US, homelessness is on the increase because of economic melt- down and foreclosures. Moreover, differences in perception of homelessness by liberal and conservative on homeless have increased homelessness in the US.
• Illiteracy as a Global Issue The cost and access to opportunities to gain an education is also a major cause of illiteracy in the developed economies, where members of the lower class are subjected to high costs of living; thus, […]
• Reflection on Global Issues: Globalization of the Environment The global conflicts, managing the post-pandemic world, and the need to navigate the social injustices to ensure equality for all are among the most pressing ones.
• The Great Global Warming Swindle: Different Views on the Issue According to the film, the main aim of the scientific organizations is to get funding for the research of this problem and attract additional attention to global warming, while in reality, the climate is changing […]
• Gender Inequality as a Global Issue This essay will examine some of the causes that affect the gap in the treatment of men and women, and its ramifications, particularly regarding developing countries.
• Global Health Issue of Malaria It can be explained due to the higher density of the population in those areas and the low socioeconomic status of most people.
• Tuberculosis as a Global Health Issue Over the years, the bacteria strain that causes tuberculosis has developed a lot of resistance mainly as a result of a lack of compliance to treatment on the part of the patient.
• Malnutrition in Children as a Global Health Issue The peculiarity of this initiative is not to support children and control their feeding processes but prevent pediatric malnutrition even before a child is born.
• Global Issues: Addressing an Aging Population An important issue that is currently facing the world community is aging due to the increasing number of older people. Migration leaves the countries in which people are moving with a significant number of older […]
• Global Health Issues Affecting International Community The HIV and tuberculosis pandemics have caused and will continue to present considerable challenges to emerging nations’ public health care systems, especially in the hardest-hit nations.
• Global Inequality Issues in Modern Society It was evident during the times of colonization when foreign entities tried to impose their sociopolitical and economic institutions on the developing nations.
• Global Issues, Climate Justice, and Human Overpopulation On the one hand, globalization has many positive aspects: the mutual enrichment of the world community, the exchange of best practices, and the availability of goods.
• Sustainability as an Urgent Global Issue Therefore, this shows the importance of integrating technology with other multidisciplinary teams to achieve quick and sustainable designs that can help in solving the urgent global issue.
• Global Issues, Common Good, and Individualism In such a case, the cohesion and commitment of each individual to shared goals and interests seem to solve the mentioned problems.
• Global Issues: Politics, Economics, and Culture by R.Payne The next chapter 14 reveals the issue of cultural homogenization and hybridization due to globalization. From the perspective of the biblical worldview, it largely determines the principles of the world.
• Global Ecological Issues of Covid-19 Pandemic The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is due to the removal of cars on the streets, which account for about 23% of total CO2 emissions.
• Environmental and Global Health Issues: Measles Measles is among the most contagious disease in the world and is highly frequent and densely distributed in poor developing nations of Africa and Asia.
• Solving Global Issues May Not Be as Easy as It Seems The main point of the essay is to demonstrate how the inaction of those with power and money in the face of human suffering is purely immoral.
• Global Health Issue: The Coronavirus Disease Families have suffered unparalleled grief, anxiety, and distress from the increasing fatality, massive job losses, lockdowns, and movement restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
• WHO and Its Impact on Global Health Issues The issues which are the center of attention of the World Health Organization are: Women’s Health Health In Africa Eradication of communicable diseases Dr Margaret Chan, the Director-General of World Health Organization said;”I want my […]
• Examination of a Global Population Issue of Russia The country is one of the richest in the world. The country also has the largest forest cover in the world, and the largest fresh water lake.
• Global Health Concerns Overview Title Report 1. Japan nuke risks are minimal The World Health Organization has sent alerts to global health experts to travel to Japan to prevent health hazards caused by radiation. WHO reported the health risks arising from the incident is very low and the current radiation level has no great risk on public health. In […]
• Global Issues Action Plan in the U.S. While drawbacks are the possibility of losing power that other states can use to influence the United States and the lack of protection from emerging military organizations and countries, such as China and Iran, that […]
• Global Health Issue Analysis: HIV – A Relatively New Disease Rapid detection and treatment are crucial to limit the spread of HIV and limit the patient’s effects. As the frequency and intensity of symptoms vary from person to person, testing is the only clear way […]
• Race as a Global Issue in the 1920s The main intention of prohibiting immigrants from entering the country was to block the Germans whom the Americans saw as a threat to their country.
• Global Digital Divide as a Social Issue That is, if societies around the globe are able to bridge the gap between those who have and those who do not in relation to information technology, then the development problems would be minimized at […]
• Global Warming Issues Review and Environmental Sustainability Whether it is the melt down of Arctic ice, the damage of the Ozone layer, extra pollution in developing countries; all sums up to one thing in common and that is global warming.
• Modern Global Issues: Drinking Water Shortage The situation is closely linked with the lack of water, and the offered technology to cope with this problem. This is the only way to use naturally filtered and sprang water.
• How Has Globalization Impacted on Issues of Human Rights? William Adler closely examines the disrupted lives of the three women who occupy an assembly-line job as the job and its company moves from New Jersey to rural Mississippi and to Matamoros, Mexico, across the […]
• Global Health Issue in the “Mother Teresa” Movie The movie is devoted to her immense donation to the universal HIV/AIDS struggle in India, but along with the help to HIV infected people, she made the greatest ever contribution to the matters of peace […]
• Adolescent Pregnancy as a Global Issue The wider the information system is, the more effective methods of solving problems related to the health of pregnant teens are.
• The Doha Round Effectiveness in Solving Global Issues Except for the Dispute Settlement Understanding actions, the attendees of the conference agreed that the outcome of all negotiations was to be done as a single undertaking.
• Cultural Competence in Action: Solutions to Global Health Issues In this paper, the analysis of several case studies about cultural competence will be discussed to clarify how to achieve positive results and reduce the wasting of resources. In the second case, certain attention is […]
• Polar Transformations as a Global Warming Issue Changes in vegetation due to global warming will be varying as the regions are covered with three main vegetation types: polar desert, boreal forest, and the tundra.
• Project Cost Management’s Global Issues and Challenges The results suggest the lack of identity for the profession on the global scale due to the lack of consensus regarding the common descriptor, the scarcity of common standards, terminology, and bodies of knowledge, and […]
• Project Cost Management: Global Issues and Challenges The information revealed by the author is likely to be beneficial for those individuals who are occupied in various fields but provide cost management services in the framework of the global construction industry.
• Natural Disasters and Global Social Issues The hurricane led to a major shift in the social arrangement of the populations in the worst affected areas. This led to a significant loss of jobs in the affected areas.
• Childhood Obesity in Developing Countries – A Global Health Issue Childhood Obesity and the Globe As mentioned earlier, according to the data of WHO, the number of obese children in the world today is more than 42 million, and the vast majority of them are […]
• Differing Views on Global Warming Issues It is crucial to bring on board the views of those who view global warming as a myth that need not to be addressed.
• Ethics-Related Global Workplace Issues Child labor also exposes the children to activities that are illegal. Forced labor is a form of slavery and should not be practiced anywhere in the world.
• Examination of a Global Population Issue Economic Issues The economy of South Africa is one of the fastest developing economies in the world. Being the only African country which is a member of the G-20, this country has been seen to […]
• Global Population Issues and Population in the UAE The natural resources will face exhaustion due to the great pressure of the population. Consequently, the governments of these countries will be forced to take measures to drive the fertility rates up to cover up […]
• Global Issues for Global Citizens: An Introduction to Key Development Challenges
• Are Gender Rights and Gender Discrimination Global Issues
• Global Issues Regarding the Container Shipping
• Analysis of the Global Issues in Business
• Global Issues, Local Solutions: Rethinking Wealth and Health
• Climate Change and Pollution Are Serious Global Issues
• Compounded Global Issues: Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation, and Climate Change
• Global Issues: Obesity, Inactivity, and Water-Crisis
• Environment-Related Global Issues: Global and Regional Conventions
• How Global Issues Are Resolved With the Scopes of Many Disciplines
• Explaining the Global Issues of Environment and Health
• Global Crimes Cause Global Issues That Affect the National
• The Alarming and Troublesome Global Warming Issue
• Analyzing How Global Issues Affect Tourism
• The Link Between Global Issues and Change in Human Resource Management
• The Relations Between the Global Issues and Institutions
• Global Issues Surrounding the Millennium Development Goals
• Analyzing Human Trafficking as a Global Issue
• Global Warming: An Issue That Is Man-Made?
• Immigration and Migration Described as the Global Issues
• Analyzing Global Issues That Effect Everyone
• Environmental Issues: Chevron’s Contribution to Global Warming
• Global Issues We Are Facing Today
• Cigarette Smoking Relation to Global Issues of the Future
• Six Global Issues Associated With E-Commerce
• Global Issues: The Link Between Water Shortage and Child Mortality
• Analysis of the Innovation and Global Issues in Social Sciences
• The Relationships Between Internet, Computers, and Global Issues
• Global Issues Within the First Civilizations
• Legal and Global Issues Focused On Treating Undocumented Immigrants
• Analysis of the Poor News Coverage and Public Opinion on Global Issues
• Depicting Social and Global Issues and Trends in Adult Education
• The Global Issues Depicted in “Home”, a Documentary by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
• Teaching for Sustainable Development Through Ethical Global Issues Pedagogy
• Terrorism and the Military: Global Issues of Today
• The Concept, Content, and Nature of Contemporary Global Issues
• The Gay Marriage Debate: Contemporary Global Issues
• The Analysis of the Global Issues and Threats of Nuclear Weapons
• Overview of the Significant Global Issues of Nowadays
• The Part of the U.S. and India in Global Issues On Women
• Are Gender Rights and Gender Discrimination Global Issues?
• What Are the Global Issues in Business?
• Are Climate Change and Pollution Serious Global Issues?
• Are Terrorism and Nuclear Proliferation Global Issues?
• What Is the Role of Third World Countries in Global Environmental Issues?
• How Are Global Issues Solved With the Help of Many Disciplines?
• What Are the Social and Global Issues and Trends in Adult Education?
• What Institutions Can Solve Global Issues?
• What Are the Global Issues of Immigration and Migration?
• Do Global Issues Have Local Solutions?
• How Global Is the Issue of Obesity?
• What Are the Global Issues Related to Container Transportation?
• Is Child Mortality a Global Issue?
• What Are the Global Issues Associated With the Millennium Development Goals?
• What Were the Global Issues of the First Civilizations?
• What Global Issues Is Humanity Currently Facing?
• What Are the Global Issues Related to Human Resource Management?
• What Does Smoking Have to Do With Global Issues of the Future?
• How Do Global Issues Affect Individual States?
• What Is Public Opinion About Global Issues?
• What Are the Concepts, Meaning and Nature of Modern Global Issues?
• Gay Marriage: Is It a Modern Global Issue?
• What Are the US and India Global Issues Affecting Women?
• Global Issues: How to Fight Addiction to Video Games?
• What Are the Global Health Issues?
• Is Organized Crime a Global Issue in the World?
• How Can National Governments Solve the Global Issue of Climate Change?
• What Are Starbucks Global Issues?
• Why Is Global Cooperation Important to Address the Global Issues of Postharvest Losses?
• Is It Possible to Solve the Global Issue of PTSD?
• Environment Research Topics
• Gender Inequality Research Topics
• Human Rights Essay Ideas
• National Parks Research Topics
• Overpopulation Topics
• Nuclear Energy Essay Titles
• Poverty Essay Titles
• Racism Paper Topics
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject. Otherwise, you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. You don't need to know everything, though; part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay , opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is the U.S. election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society ?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• List of Topics for How-to Essays
• Complete List of Transition Words
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
• 67 Causal Essay Topics to Consider
• Practice in Supporting a Topic Sentence with Specific Details
• What Is Expository Writing?
• Topical Organization Essay
• How to Outline and Organize an Essay
• Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
• 40 Topics to Help With Descriptive Writing Assignments
• What an Essay Is and How to Write One
• Personal Essay Topics

Essay on Contemporary Issues

Students are often asked to write an essay on Contemporary Issues in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Contemporary Issues

What are contemporary issues.

Contemporary issues are problems or challenges that society is facing today. These issues can be local, national, or global. They often involve topics like the environment, technology, social issues, and politics. Understanding these issues can help us make better decisions for our future.

Environmental Issues

One of the biggest contemporary issues is environmental problems. These include climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Climate change is causing extreme weather events, like hurricanes and droughts. Pollution is harming our air, water, and land. Loss of biodiversity means many animal and plant species are disappearing.

Technological Issues

Technology is changing our lives in many ways. But it also brings new challenges. For example, cybercrime is a growing problem. This includes things like hacking and identity theft. There are also concerns about privacy and data security. We need to find ways to use technology safely and responsibly.

Social Issues

Social issues are another important contemporary issue. These include things like poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Many people lack access to basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. Inequality means some people have much more wealth and power than others. Discrimination is when people are treated unfairly because of their race, gender, age, or other characteristics.

Political Issues

Political issues can also be considered contemporary issues. These can include things like corruption, lack of democracy, and conflicts between nations. It’s important for people to be informed about these issues and to participate in the political process. This can help ensure that governments are accountable and responsive to their citizens.

250 Words Essay on Contemporary Issues

What are contemporary issues.

Contemporary issues are problems that we face in today’s world. These problems affect a lot of people, and they are often the subject of a lot of debate. They include things like climate change, inequality, and technology use.

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing contemporary issues. It refers to long-term changes in temperature and typical weather. Many scientists believe that human activities contribute to climate change. As a result, we see more extreme weather events, like hurricanes and droughts, that can harm people, animals, and our environment.

Inequality is another important contemporary issue. This can mean that people don’t have the same opportunities because of their race, gender, or how much money they have. It can affect many parts of life, like jobs, education, and health. Many people are working hard to fight against inequality and to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities.

Technology Use

Technology use is a newer contemporary issue. As more people use smartphones, tablets, and computers, we need to think about how this affects us. Some people worry that we spend too much time on these devices and not enough time talking to each other. There are also concerns about privacy and how data is used.

In conclusion, contemporary issues are problems that affect us all and are the subject of much debate. By understanding these issues and thinking about how we can solve them, we can make the world a better place. It’s important for everyone, including students, to learn about these issues and think about how they can help.

500 Words Essay on Contemporary Issues

Introduction to contemporary issues.

In the world of politics, there are many current issues. One of them is the fight for human rights. In many parts of the world, people are not treated equally. They do not have the same rights as others because of their race, religion, gender, or beliefs. This is a big problem that we need to solve.

Another political issue is corruption. Some people in power use their position for their own benefit, not for the good of the people. This is wrong and it harms society. We need to fight against corruption to make our world better.

Another social issue is discrimination. Some people are treated badly because they are different. This can be because of their skin color, their gender, their age, their religion, or other things. Discrimination is not fair and it hurts people. We need to respect and value everyone’s differences.

Our environment is facing many challenges. One of them is climate change. The world is getting warmer and this is causing problems like more extreme weather and rising sea levels. This is a big threat to our planet and we need to take action to stop it.

Technology is changing our lives in many ways. But it also brings some problems. One issue is privacy. With so much information online, it is hard to keep our personal data safe. We need to find ways to protect our privacy in the digital world.

Another technological issue is the digital divide. Not everyone has access to the internet and digital devices. This is not fair and it can make it harder for people to learn and work. We need to make sure that everyone can benefit from technology.

Contemporary issues are important topics that we need to understand and address. By learning about these issues, we can work together to solve them and make our world a better place. Remember, change starts with understanding and action.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

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The Best Controversial Topics for Debates and Essays

General Education

Controversial topics are a good choice for an essay or debate because they immediately draw in the reader or listener. The adage that “controversy sells” is so rooted in society that even the rapper Chamillionaire named his second album after it! Controversial issues are also a good topic because it’s easier to write a strong thesis and find sources to back up your argument . After all, when something is controversial, everybody wants to have their say over it.

However, it’s also important that you address controversial issues with sensitivity and care. Because controversial topics tend to raise emotions, you must walk a thin line between opinion and fact in order to build trust between you and your reader/listener.

In this article, we’re going to give you the best controversial topics you can use for essays and debates—and we’ll explain the controversies for you, too! We’ll also discuss when to use controversial topics, the pros and cons of choosing a controversial issue, and tips for making sure you’re treating a controversial topic with sensitivity and respect.

That’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!

Controversial topics are issues that can really get people up in arms. (Yes, it's a dad joke. No, we're not sorry.)

What Are Controversial Topics?

If you’ve flipped on a television lately, you’ve probably seen people on the news arguing different sides of an issue. (Occasionally, these arguments can get pretty emotional!) When you see this happening, there’s a good chance that the people you’re watching are discussing a controversial topic. 

Controversial debate topics include subjects that create strong differences of opinion. They are issues that can affect politics, society as a whole, individuals on a personal level, the environment, or any other area of life that people feel strongly about. Additionally, controversial issues often have no clear answer because people’s feelings and personal beliefs are often strongly involved.

3 Pros and 3 Cons of Using Controversial Topics in Essays or Debates 

It might be tempting to pick any old controversial topic and run with it. Not so fast! While controversial topics definitely give you a lot to talk about in an essay or debate, there are some definite drawbacks to dealing with hot-button issues.

Here are the pros and cons you should consider before deciding to use a controversial topic in your work. 

Pro #1: It’s Usually Easy to Find Sources

Everyone wants to have their say on controversial topics, which is great when you need sources to include in your paper! A quick library or Google search will turn up tons of information. It can make that part of writing (or preparing for a debate) much easier. 

Con #1: It Can Be Hard to Find Good Sources

When you Google a controversial source, the results can be overwhelming. While you’re probably going to have tons of hits, they'll be from a wide range of sources like social media, personal blogs, podcasts, and message boards (like Reddit and Quora). Just because something appears high in a Google result doesn’t make it a good source that you can site in a paper or speech.

Good sources are ones that are written by credentialed authors (they are experts in their field) and include reliable, cited evidence. A good place to find good sources are scholarly databases, like JSTOR and ProQuest, since the articles on these databases have been vetted by other experts before they are published. Reputable news outlets can also be good resources, too. 

Pro #2: It’s Easier to Talk About Things That Interest You 

If you care about a topic you probably already know a little bit about it. This is especially true for many controversial issues. After all, they tend to be controversial because many people have opinions on them! If you pick a controversial issue that’s near and dear to your heart, you’ll find that you have a lot to say about it. 

Con #2: It’s Hard to Keep Your Emotions In Check 

If it is a topic you care about a lot, you probably already have strong opinions formed. But in order to build trust with your reader/listener and to be accurate, you need to use neutral language so that your reader/listener can draw their own conclusions based on your work. While it’s tempting to call people out or get heated, those are both pitfalls you should avoid . 

Pro #3: Controversial Issues Capture Attention 

Tackling a subject like mass incarceration, the death penalty, or abortion is a good way to get your audience to sit up and take notice. People want to hear your opinion to see how it does—or doesn’t—match their own. 

Con #3: You Open Yourself Up to Criticism 

On the flip side, if your argument doesn’t align with their beliefs, the people reading or listening to your argument may criticize your opinion or belief because it is not the same as theirs. You’ll have to spend extra time making sure you’ve created a strong argument since people have often spent more time thinking about a controversial topic and are better able to challenge your position. 

How to Pick Good Controversial Topics for Teens

When picking what topic to write about, it’s important that you pick a good strong topic that is relevant and that has an amount of easy to find good sources. When deciding on a topic, try to keep these tips in mind! 

Tip #1: Choose a Topic That Interests You 

It’s easier to work on a subject you enjoy. Don’t use a topic you find boring or have no interest in. Write about a topic you are passionate about, since your own interest will shine through in your writing or speech. Also, when you pick a topic you like, the assignment can actually be fun. Imagine that! 

Tip #2: Be Passionate...But Not Too Passionate

Stay away from topics where you might be too passionate about one side since it can be tough to distance yourself enough to see both sides of the argument. You’ll want to know what good arguments the other side has so that you can defend your position against them. If you're too passionate about a subject, you might miss key details that help you defend your position. Every side has good points—that’s why there’s an argument in the first place!

Tip #3: Make Sure There’s Hard Evidence

Pick a topic where there’s evidence, not just a “he said, she said” kind of thing. Avoid arguments that don’t have any facts or figures backing them up or they are entirely opinion based. Examples of topics that are controversial but lack compelling evidence include government conspiracies or theories that have been proven false, like the Earth being flat or that pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn’t).

Tip #4: Know Your Audience

If you are writing about controversial debate topics, ask yourself who it is you are trying to persuade. Is it your teacher? A certain segment of the population? If you know who your audience is, you can better tailor your argument to hit on the points they care about. 

For example, say you’re writing an essay about how teacher’s unions are unnecessary. If your audience is your teacher—who's probably in a union!—you’re going to have to work harder to prove your point since they’re more likely to be in favor of unions. (You’ll also need to make sure you’re being fair and respectful to avoid offending your teacher. We’ll talk more about how to do that in a minute.) 

In the example above, knowing your audience can (and should) change the way you write your argument in order to make it as persuasive and convincing as possible. 

Tip #5: Narrow Down Your Topic 

Make sure your topic is broad enough that you have plenty of information sources to choose from but narrow enough that you aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of information. An easy way to narrow a broad topic is to limit it to a time period or geographical location. For instance, let’s say that you want to write an argumentative essay about climate change. Climate change covers a lot of ground, so you could narrow it down to only writing about climate change in the last 15 years. You could narrow it down even more by writing about how climate change has affected a small geographical location, like California or your own city, in the last 15 years.

Gun control is a perennially controversial topic in the United States.

The Best Controversial Topics of 2019

Here are some of the most controversial topics discussed this year. Many of these issues are evergreen topics, which means you’ll be able to find plenty of information for them! 

These are topics related to current political subjects both in the US and abroad. 

Is Brexit a good or bad idea? 

In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to settle the question of whether or not they should leave the European Union. Proponents of Brexit argue that leaving the EU would save money for the nation as they would no longer need to pay a membership fee to the EU. Opponents argue that the UK will lose money due to new trade restrictions. 

Did Russia interfere with the 2016 Presidential Election? 

After Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential Election , there were several investigative reports published that suggested that Russia used targeted Facebook ads to encourage people to vote for Trump , and Russia may have been the ones who hacked the Democratic National Convention. Trump supporters have been quick to rebuff this claim, arguing that the election results reflect the will of the American population. However, those who are anti-Trump argue that Trump did not legitimately win the election and that the results were due to Russian interference. They cite the fact that Hilary Clinton had a larger popular vote than Trump to support this. 

Should there be stricter gun control?

The United States has experienced more than 200 mass shootings in 2019, and each new incident brings up controversial questions about gun control. Those in favor of gun control argue that more gun laws would reduce gun deaths. Those against gun control argue that the Second Amendment protects their right to own guns and any legislation for stricter gun control would be unconstitutional. 

Should America allow illegal immigrants to become American citizens? 

As more and more immigrants arrive at America’s borders, the debate over immigration becomes even more heated. On the pro side, people argue that illegal immigrants help the economy by paying taxes and that most immigrants came here as asylum seekers, which is legal. Opponents argue that these immigrants have crossed the border illegally and that a large portion of these immigrants are violent criminals and should be sent back to protect American citizens. 

Should the death penalty still be allowed?  

Many states have done away with the death penalty, yet some states still support it. Many have questioned if the death penalty is a moral, ethical, and effective way to deal with crime. On the pro side, the argument is that the death penalty acts as a deterrent to crime and can help bring closure to families affected by heinous criminal activity. On the con side, the argument is that it violates the 8th amendment and that sometimes innocent people have been put to death. 

Should abortion be allowed? 

Recently, several states have enacted new legislation limiting access to abortion. The pro-choice/pro-abortion side argues that women should be allowed to control their bodies without any interference from the government or religious authority. The pro-life/anti-abortion side argues that abortion is murder and inflicts pain and suffering on the unborn fetus. They are also opposed to Roe vs. Wade , a court decision that made abortion legal in the United States.  

Should doctor-assisted suicide be allowed? 

In January of 2019, Hawaii will join six other states in enacting Death with Dignity laws for patients with terminal illnesses . However, unlike in countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, and the Netherlands, doctor-assisted euthanasia is still illegal according to US federal laws. Many believe it should also be legal on the federal level. Those for doctor-assisted suicide argue that allowing those with chronic pain or terminal illnesses to end their lives is a compassionate act that relieves their suffering. Those opposed argue that it violates the Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm,” and allowing euthanasia is a slippery slope that will lead to doctors deciding who is worthy of life and who is not. 

Should the government legalize recreational marijuana?

As of 2018, there are 11 states that have legalized recreational marijuana: Alaska (2014), California (2016), Colorado (2012), DC (2014), Maine (2016), Massachusetts (2016), Michigan (2018), Nevada (2016), Oregon (2014), Vermont (2018), and Washington (2012). Legal marijuana proponents argue that the War on Drugs was a failed initiative that unfairly affected minority communities,and that marijuana isn’t any worse for you than drinking alcohol. Those against legal marijuana argue that the drug is addictive and leads to a higher percentage of school dropouts, car accidents, and crime.

These are topics based on current controversies happening in the scientific field.

Are humans causing global warming?

As the polar ice caps continue to melt, people question whether or not human activity is responsible for raising the temperature of the Earth . Proponents of this idea argue that due to human-generated waste and carbon dioxide, we are responsible for this rise in temperature. Opponents argue that the earth has gone through many warming and cooling cycles and that human activity is not to blame.

Are GMOs good or bad?

  In recent years there has been an increase in the number of controversial questions raised by GMO, or genetically modified, crops. Those in favor of GMOs, which stands for genetically modified organisms, argue that without genetically modified crops and animals, there would be food shortages; they also argue that GMOs have been around for millennia. Those opposed to GMOs argue that GMOs could be the cause of the rise of cancers and that the pesticides needed to grow GMO crops contribute to pesticide-resistant pests. 

Will work done on artificial intelligence eventually lead to our demise? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more sophisticated, which raises questions about the ethics and eventual outcome of creating artificial intelligence . Proponents believe artificial intelligence will keep us safer and solve many of the world’s problems; but opponents believe that developing AI might not be ethical, they ask whether or not robots programmed with AI count as  conscious beings and should be given rights, or if AI will eventually lead to humanity’s downfall. 

Should we allow gene editing on human beings? 

2017 saw exciting advances in the science of gene editing with the arrival of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing method. However, it’s also raised some controversial debate topics regarding the ethics of allowing gene editing. Gene editing proponents argue that gene editing will allow us to cure genetic diseases and prolong life. But opponents argue that the technology will create more social inequity because only the rich will be able to afford it. They also argue that editing the genes of human embryos is tantamount to playing God. 

Are self driving cars really safe?  

In 2018, a car accidentally ran over and killed a pedestrian as she was crossing the street in Tempe, AZ. Despite this, driverless car manufacturers like Tesla and transportation companies like Uber argue that driverless technology is ultimately safer than human piloted transportation. This is due to the fact that driverless cars would feature many sensors and safety features whereas human drivers have a tendency to get distracted or sleepy while driving, and some may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are many pro and con arguments about the controversial issues related to driverless technology , which makes this a great controversial topic for essays and debates! 

Should anti-vaxxers be forced to vaccinate their kids?

Recently a measles outbreak has spread throughout Europe. According to the World Health Organization, there have been at least 40 measles-related deaths associated with the outbreak. Many blame anti-vaxxers, or parents who believe vaccines cause autism and other illnesses, for the spread of this disease. Those who are pro-vaccine argue that vaccines save lives and by not vaccinating their children , anti-vaxxers are putting others at risk. Anti-vaxxers argue that vaccines can cause serious side effects like autism, seizures, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome. They also argue that getting vaccinated is a personal choice that should be respected by the government.

Do we really need a General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? 

In April of 2016, the European Union enacted the General Data Protection Regulation, which is designed to protect EU citizens’ personal data. Proponents for the GDPR argue that it will prevent the number of wide-scale data breaches and hacking that occurs on a day to day basis. Opponents argue that the GDPR doesn’t do enough to protect data and that it will negatively impact the economy because of the fines that will be enforced if a company fails to comply with GDPR guidelines. 

Should we grow our meat in a lab? 

Recent advances in technology have allowed scientists to experiment with lab-grown, edible meat that doesn’t require animal slaughter. Supporters of lab grown meat claim it is better for the environment and does away with the moral issues surrounding animal husbandry, including animal abuse and inhumane farming practices. Opponents claim lab grown meat may have adverse health effects on people who eat lab-grown meat, especially since the technology is so new. Opponents also argue that lab-grown meat could end the farming industry and put thousands of people out of work. 

Uber is great when you need a lift...but does it treat its employees fairly?

Society & Culture

These are current topics that involve our day to day lives. 

Should transgendered people be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice? 

Earlier last year, North Carolina passed a law that prohibited transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice based on their expressed gender rather than their biologically assigned sex . The “bathroom bill” is the first of its kind to specifically address the issue of transgender public restroom access. Proponents for the bill argue that allowing biological males and females to use the same restroom will lead to a higher percentage of sexual assault and was a risk to public safety. Opponents argue that the bill is discriminatory.

Is it still okay to use UBER? 

In 2017, UBER was rocked by claims of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and false advertising. The hashtag #DeleteUber went viral in January 2017, and many users and drivers boycotted the company. This situation raises two controversial questions. First, what rights do contract workers have in this new, emerging gig economy ? And second, is UBER the victim of cancel culture , or do customers have an ethical obligation to boycott companies with shady practices? 

Cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation? What’s the difference?

Katy Perry has been criticized for her 2017 music video "This Is How We Do” because the singer wore cornrows in her hair. Many have claimed the appearance of a Caucasian woman with a traditionally black hairstyle is cultural appropriation . These opponents argue that because people of color have been discriminated against for wearing traditionally black hairstyles, white women who sport the same hair styles profit from it. However, some argue that without cultural appropriation, many elements of minority cultures have become popularized, like rap music and R&B .  

Should we give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance? 

In 2017, comedian Louis CK was accused of sexually harassing his female colleagues . Since these accusations went public, Louis CK has tried to rehabilitate his image, and h e has since publicly apologized. But this raises the question of whether we should give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance if they seem to have learned their lesson. 

Is social media ruining society? 

According to a 2018 survey, approximately 70% of Americans use at least one social media site including Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter . Those in favor of social media argue that it  promotes a sense of community and helps create social interactions. But social media detractors argue that sites like Facebook or Reddit waste time, trigger mental illnesses, and encourage dangerous bullying.

Should people get fired for what they say on social media?

Recently, James Gunn, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy , was fired by Disney because there were several tweets on his Twitter feed they believed were offensive. He is not the only one, either: Roseanne was fired by Netflix after she made an offensive tweet towards politician Valerie Jarrett. This has raised some controversial questions, like whether someone be held professionally accountable for what they say on social media . Proponents for social media accountability argue that what someone posts on social media is a reflection of who they are as a person. Opponents argue that posting on social media is protected by free speech and that the context of the posting should matter. 

Is the #MeToo movement helping or hurting women? 

The #MeToo movement began in 2017 with a series of articles that accused Harvey Weinstein of rape and sexual assault. These articles led to Weinstein’s ostracization from Hollywood and eventually led to criminal investigations into his behavior. The #MeToo movement has brought down several powerful men with accusations of sexual misconduct. But some argue the movement has set the feminist movement back by discouraging companies from hiring women due to their fear of lawsuits. 

Is Gen Z worse than previous generations? 

Someone is always complaining that the generation after them is worse than their generation. As members of Gen Z mature and reach adulthood, they face many criticisms from the preceding generations. For example, d etractors have accused Gen Z of being lazy and introverted. However, others think Gen Z might be the generation that saves the world.  

Arts & Entertainment

These are topics that are currently affecting sports, tv, Hollywood, literature, music, and art.

Should movies and television shows be forced to hire more diverse casts? 

Hollywood has come under fire for “whitewashing” or the act of casting a white actor when the role should have gone to a person of color. An example of this is when Rupert Sanders, director of Ghost in the Shell , cast Scarlett Johansson as the Asian protagonist Major . Opponents of this practice argue that “whitewashing” takes jobs away from deserving POC actors. However, others argue that art should be free of any restrictions or boundaries . 

Should the show 13 Reasons Why have removed its controversial scenes?  

In 2017, Netflix released an original show based on the young adult novel 13 Reasons Why , which focuses on the suicide of 17-year-old Hannah Baker. Parents and educators opposed the release of this show due to the fact that it involved several controversial topics for teens such as suicide and rape. But those that support the show have argued that it provided a way to start conversations with teens about these tough topics . Ultimately, Netflix went back and edited out the controversial scenes. This topic gives you the opportunity to talk about whether mature content like suicide and rape is appropriate in shows aimed toward teenagers. You can also discuss whether Netflix’s removal of the offending scenes is the right decision or not. 

Should male and female actors make the same amount of money? 

In 2018, Hollywood came under fire after the internet learned that Michelle Williams was paid substantially less for her role in “All The Money In The World” than her male co-star, Mark Wahlberg. Some argue that as the bigger star, Whalberg deserved to be compensated at a higher rat e. Others argue that Williams did the same amount of work as Wahlberg and should receive the same amount of pay. This issue plugs into the larger social issue of pay discrepancies based on race and gender.

Should athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem? 

People have started to boycott Nike for their commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick . Kaepernick is a San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has received a lot of press for being the first athlete to kneel during the national anthem in protest the treatment of African Americans and minorities in the United States. President Trump has publicly stated that any athlete who kneels during the national anthem is being disrespectful and should be fired. Yet others defend kneeling during the anthem, regarding it as an expression of free speech that’s protected under the First Amendment. 

The 5 Best Tips for Treating Controversial Topics With Sensitivity and Respect

In order to write a good argument and convince your reader/listener to agree with you, you will need to treat your controversial issue with sensitivity and respect. This helps the reader/listener to trust you. 

But that can be really hard when you feel passionately about your topic and your opinions! Here are the best tips for making sure you stick to the facts, not the feelings. 

Tip #1: Avoid Charged Language

An author is accused of using loaded language when they substitute words with positive or negative connotations instead of using more neutral language. Some examples of this are using the word “superior” instead of better, calling the opposition “stupid,” or using biased terminology (“infanticide” vs. “abortion”). While emotional appeals are a great tool to persuade people to your point of view, when they’re used in the wrong way, they come across as overly aggressive and biased. 

Tip #2 : Avoid Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is an error in your argument’s logic because it presents the topic’s information in a deceptive way. Below are some common logical fallacies to watch out for.

Straw Man Fallacy: this is when you ignore your opponent’s real argument and instead argue that your opponent believes something easily ridiculed or proved false.

Slippery Slope: this is when you argue that something seemingly benign will lead to an unlikely extreme. 

Generalizations: generalizations are statements about an idea that do not have any facts to support them. They tend to play into stereotypes and often rely on exaggerations or over the top statements.

For more information on logical fallacies and how to avoid them, check out this resource. 

Tip #3: Do Not Attack Your Opponent Personally

This is called an ad hominem fallacy, and is often referred to as “mud-slinging” or “bashing.” When you do this, it implies that the only way you can counter your opponents viewpoints is through personal attacks. (Also, it’s just not cool.) Instead, stick to using facts and figures to show why their argument is wrong.

Tip #4: Avoid Hyperbole, Stereotypes, and Clichés 

These are common issues that crop up in argumentative writing that ultimately weaken your position.

Hyperbole happens when you exaggerate. When you use hyperbole, you risk misrepresenting the issue at hand—which is an argument killer. For example, take this statement: “If we don’t stop climate change now, we’ll all be dead in 10 years.” While climate change is definitely a huge risk to humanity, saying everyone on Earth will die in a decade if we don’t fix is a significant exaggeration. It would be better to say something like, “If we don’t start to solve climate change now, we’re risking the livelihoods and safety of future generations.” This is a more moderate statement that you can back up with facts, like scientists’ belief that climate change will put coastal cities underwater. 

Stereotypes are oversimplified, misinformed, or prejudiced assumptions held about other people or things. For example, a common stereotype is that all women love pink. (Spoiler alert: they don’t.) While stereotypes like this seem harmless, most are not. For example, a stereotype like the idea that all immigrants are criminals is extremely harmful. Stereotypes are not only false, they make you seem biased and ill-informed. 

Finally, clichés are overused or commonplace phrases, themes, or expressions . These are often phrases that have been said so much that they’ve lost all real meaning. For example, the idea that people can “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” is a textbook example of a cliché. Instead, it’s better to explain the idea behind the cliché in more detail. In this case, it would be better to say that people—no matter their station in life—can create opportunities for themselves through hard work.

Tip #5 : Don’t Beat a Dead Horse

Remember that your job is to present them with the facts in an open and honest way. If you have done a good job, your reader or listener will come away with the same opinion as you, or at least more informed. It’s okay to state your opinion in your paper as long as you use other sources to back your opinion up and are fair to the other side. (Also resist the urge to restate your opinion every other sentence—it’s monotonous and doesn’t do much to win your reader over!)  

5 Resources for Finding More Controversial Debate Topics

If you’re not inspired by the topics we’ve already mentioned, don’t worry. There are many other controversial topics out there! Here are some other places you can look to find a topic that’s perfect for your essay or debate. 

#1: ProCon.Org 

You probably noticed that we’ve included links in this article that take you to ProCon.org . That’s because this website is a treasure trove of controversial issues! The website has lists of ideas that they break down into general pro/con lists, and each topic links you research starters. 

#2: National & Local News 

Much of the modern news cycle is devoted to discussing hot-button topics of our time. If you’re looking for topics related to current events, news sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post will help! Also, don’t discount your local news resources, either. They’ll give you valuable information about what’s going on in your community and how larger, national issues are impacting where you live. 

#3: They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (Fourth Edition) by Cathy Birkenstein & Gerald Graff  

Writing argumentative papers where you have to pick (and defend) your perspective is a skill you’ll use throughout high school, college, and beyond. They Say/I Say walks you through everything you need to know to write an argument. Even better: the book uses controversial issues as a way to teach writing, so you’ll get expert instruction on how to use them to write an amazing paper.

#4: Documentaries

Documentaries provide more in-depth perspectives on topics—both historical and contemporary—that have shaped the world. A great documentary can give you a thorough overview of an issue, and often they dig into different perspectives around an event, idea, or historical moment. The PBS series, Frontline , is a good place to start, but don’t be afraid to look at critically acclaimed films (like The Times of Harvey Milk or How to Survive a Plague ) for inspiration as well.  

#5: The Learning Network

The Learning Network , a blog run by The New York Times, is a great resource for students and teachers. They have lots of great resources, and their article on 200 prompts for argumentative writing is amazing for anyone looking for essay or debate topics. The article split into categories by topic and links to articles that can help explain each issue. It’s a great place to find a topic that interests you.

What’s Next?

Controversial topics are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things you can research and write about for class. Check out our list of 113 amazing research paper topics to put you on the path to an A+ paper grade! ( If you’re looking for speech topics or argumentative essay topics , we’ve got you covered, too.)

Researching a controversial topic is just the first step in the argumentative process. You also have to be able to persuade your reader or listener to believe in your point of view. Here are 3 killer tips to help you write an amazing argumentative essay.

Learning how to read critically, come up with an argument, and communicate it is one of the fundamental skills you’ll need to tackle the writing portions of the SAT and ACT. To make sure you’re prepared, check out our step-by-step guide to the essay portion of the SAT ( and the ACT ).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Addressing Challenges: A Guide to Problem and Solution Essay Topics

Table of contents

• 1.1 Environmental Issues Problem-Solution Essay Topics
• 1.2 Social Problems Problem And Solution Essay Ideas
• 1.3 Healthcare Challenges: Problem-Solving Essay Ideas
• 1.4 Technological Advancements Ideas for a Problem Solution Essay
• 1.5 Educational Concerns Problem Solution Paper Topics
• 1.6 Economic Problems to Write About
• 1.7 Global Challenges Topics for Problem Solution Essays
• 1.8 Political and Governance Problem Solution Essay Topics
• 1.9 Transportation Problem Solution Topics
• 1.10 Cultural and Ethical Dilemmas
• 2 Easy Problem Solution Topics For an Essay
• 3 Closing Note

Navigating the complexities of real-world issues through the lens of academic inquiry, problem-and-solution essays serve as a dynamic educational tool. Which topic is specific enough for a good problem-and-solution essay? Problem and solution essays are crucial to academic writing, offering students an invaluable opportunity to analyze various situations and articulate effective solutions critically. These essays sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills and encourage a deep exploration of a multitude of contemporary issues. By tackling these essays, students gain the ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives and develop insights into potential remedies.

This article promises to dive into an extensive array of topics for problem and solution essays, encompassing diverse areas and problems to write about, such as environmental issues, social challenges, healthcare dilemmas, and more.

120 Problem Solution Essay Topics List

With such a rich palette of issues, the next step in crafting an impactful essay becomes crucially important. Selecting an appropriate topic is key when tasked with writing a problem-solving essay. It’s essential to choose a subject that is not only relevant and engaging but also provides ample scope for in-depth research and thorough analysis. This careful selection allows for a detailed exploration of the issue and the formulation of effective solutions. To aid in this process, we have compiled an extensive list of 120 thought-provoking topics for problem-solution essays.

Environmental Issues Problem-Solution Essay Topics

• Combating Climate Change: Strategies for Global Cooperation.
• Addressing Ocean Pollution: Cleaning Our Seas.
• Deforestation: Reforestation and Sustainable Practices.
• Urban Air Pollution: Cleaner Cities.
• Endangered Species: Conservation Efforts.
• Plastic Waste Management: Innovative Solutions.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World Responsibly.
• Renewable Energy: Transition from Fossil Fuels.
• Water Scarcity: Effective Water Management.
• Eco-friendly Transportation: Reducing Carbon Footprint.

Social Problems Problem And Solution Essay Ideas

• Homelessness: Creating Sustainable Housing Solutions.
• Gender Inequality: Bridging the Gap in the Workplace.
• Racial Discrimination: Fostering Inclusivity.
• Bullying in Schools: Prevention Strategies.
• Elderly Care: Improving Senior Living.
• Child Abuse: Strengthening Child Protection Services.
• Poverty Alleviation: Economic Empowerment Programs.
• Substance Abuse: Effective Rehabilitation Approaches.
• Unemployment: Job Creation Strategies.
• Digital Divide: Bridging the Technological Gap.

Healthcare Challenges: Problem-Solving Essay Ideas

• Mental Health Stigma: Promoting Awareness and Acceptance.
• Obesity Epidemic: Lifestyle and Dietary Changes.
• Healthcare Accessibility: Universal Health Coverage.
• Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons from COVID-19.
• Antibiotic Resistance: Developing New Treatments.
• Chronic Diseases: Prevention and Management.
• Mental Health in the Workplace: Supporting Employees.
• Telemedicine: Bridging the Healthcare Gap.
• Health Education: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles.
• Drug Affordability: Policies for Cheaper Medications.

Technological Advancements Ideas for a Problem Solution Essay

• Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Digital Information.
• AI Ethics: Balancing Innovation and Privacy.
• Social Media Addiction: Finding Digital Balance.
• Technological Unemployment: Reskilling the Workforce.
• Online Privacy: Protecting Personal Data.
• E-waste Management: Sustainable Recycling Practices.
• Digital Literacy: Educating the Next Generation.
• Internet Censorship: Balancing Freedom and Security.
• Tech in Education: Enhancing Learning Experiences.
• Future of Work: Adapting to Technological Changes.

Educational Concerns Problem Solution Paper Topics

• Student Loan Debt: Financial Aid and Repayment Options.
• Academic Pressure: Promoting a Balanced Education.
• Dropout Rates: Improving Student Engagement.
• Quality Education in Rural Areas: Bridging the Gap.
• Gender Disparity in STEM: Encouraging Female Participation.
• Teacher Burnout: Strategies for Support and Retention.
• Digital Divide in Education: Accessible Learning for All.
• Standardized Testing: Alternatives for Student Assessment.
• Special Needs Education: Inclusive Teaching Strategies.
• Lifelong Learning: Promoting Continuous Education.

Economic Problems to Write About

• Income Inequality: Fair Wage Policies.
• Global Trade: Promoting Ethical Practices.
• Sustainable Economic Growth: Eco-friendly Business Models.
• Financial Literacy: Educating the Public.
• Unemployment: Innovative Job Creation Strategies.
• Cryptocurrency: Regulation and Security.
• Global Poverty: Effective Aid Strategies.
• Economic Crises: Preventive Measures and Solutions.
• Gig Economy: Ensuring Worker Rights.
• Consumer Debt: Promoting Responsible Spending.

Global Challenges Topics for Problem Solution Essays

• International Conflict Resolution: Peacekeeping Strategies.
• Refugee Crisis: Humanitarian Aid and Integration.
• Global Hunger: Sustainable Solutions.
• Climate Change Migration: International Policies.
• Cultural Preservation: Protecting Heritage in a Globalized World.
• Human Trafficking: Global Efforts to Combat.
• Global Health: Eradicating Communicable Diseases.
• Water Crisis: International Cooperation for Water Security.
• Wildlife Trafficking: International Laws and Enforcement.
• Global Education: Ensuring Access for All.

Political and Governance Problem Solution Essay Topics

• Corruption: Transparency and Accountability Measures.
• Election Integrity: Ensuring Fair Democratic Processes.
• Political Polarization: Fostering Civil Discourse.
• Human Rights: Protecting Individual Freedoms.
• Press Freedom: Combating Censorship.
• Public Trust in Government: Building Confidence through Transparency.
• Policy Making: Involving Public Participation.
• International Relations: Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution.
• Government Surveillance: Balancing Security and Privacy.
• Political Activism: Encouraging Civic Engagement.

Transportation Problem Solution Topics

• Urban Traffic Congestion: Efficient Public Transport Solutions.
• Road Safety: Reducing Accidents and Fatalities.
• Sustainable Aviation: Eco-Friendly Air Travel.
• Maritime Pollution: Cleaner Shipping Practices.
• Electric Vehicles: Infrastructure and Adoption.
• Public Transportation Accessibility: Inclusive Design.
• Bicycle-Friendly Cities: Promoting Cycling Infrastructure.
• Autonomous Vehicles: Ethical and Practical Considerations.
• Urban Planning: Integrating Efficient Transportation Systems.
• Transportation in Rural Areas: Improving Connectivity.

Cultural and Ethical Dilemmas

• Cultural Appropriation: Promoting Cultural Sensitivity.
• Ethical Consumerism: Making Informed Choices.
• Media Bias: Promoting Objective Reporting.
• Animal Rights: Ethical Treatment and Welfare.
• Online Censorship: Balancing Free Speech and Regulations.
• Genetic Engineering: Ethical Implications and Regulations.
• Work-Life Balance: Corporate Policies for Better Harmony.
• Privacy in the Digital Age: Ethical Considerations.
• Artificial Intelligence: Addressing Ethical Concerns.
• Cultural Preservation: Respecting and Protecting Heritage.

Easy Problem Solution Topics For an Essay

Selecting an easy topic for a problem-solving essay is a strategic process that can significantly streamline your writing phase. Which topic is specific enough for a good problem-and-solution essay? To identify such a topic, begin by reflecting on common challenges faced in everyday life, whether they pertain to personal, community, or global issues. An easy topic often lies in an area where you have personal experience or interest, as this familiarity can provide a wealth of insights and ready solutions. Additionally, consider issues with widespread impact yet are manageable in scope, ensuring that your essay can propose realistic and achievable solutions. Researching current events and trends can also unveil relevant and engaging topics, yet not overly complex, making them ideal candidates for a concise and focused essay. Here are 20 easy problem and solution topics:

• Reducing Stress in College: Time Management Strategies.
• Healthy Eating on a Budget: Accessible Nutrition.
• Overcoming Procrastination: Effective Techniques.
• Managing Social Media Use: Finding a Healthy Balance.
• Improving Sleep Quality: Strategies for Better Rest.
• Balancing School and Work: Time Management Tips.
• Reducing Screen Time: Encouraging Outdoor Activities.
• Dealing with Bullying in Schools: Prevention and Intervention.
• Encouraging Physical Activity: Community Fitness Programs.
• Improving Reading Habits: Encouraging Literary Engagement.
• Enhancing Community Safety: Neighborhood Watch Programs.
• Reducing Littering: Effective Waste Management.
• Coping with Anxiety: Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques.
• Promoting Environmental Awareness: Educational Campaigns.
• Addressing Teen Smoking: Prevention and Education.
• Encouraging Volunteerism: Community Involvement Programs.
• Reducing Carbon Footprint: Sustainable Lifestyle Changes.
• Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking: Confidence Building.
• Enhancing Road Safety: Awareness and Enforcement.
• Promoting Cultural Understanding: Exchange Programs.

By aligning your selection with areas of personal insight or concern, you ease the research and writing process and infuse your essay with authenticity and enthusiasm.

Closing Note

In conclusion, problems and solutions examples offer a platform to address a plethora of issues, ranging from personal challenges to global concerns. The problem-solution paper topics listed in this article provide diverse issues to explore, offering opportunities for critical thinking and solution-focused writing. Whether you choose a complex global issue or a simpler, more relatable topic, the key is to present a well-researched problem and propose feasible and effective solutions. It is a problem-solving solution essay topic guide for college students guide. Thus, young people develop their writing skills through these essays and contribute their voices to ongoing discussions about important matters. Remember, every problem has a solution, and your essay could be the first step toward finding it.

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15 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues

Controversial issues can be a great way to get your students engaged, and they also make perfect persuasive essay topics.

Whether your goal is to explore the controversial issue itself or to teach the mechanics of persuasive writing, controversial issues and persuasive essays go hand in hand.

In order to write a good persuasive essay, you need to feel passionately about an argument. Having a good prompt and a good issue let’s you do that.

The flip side is that to show you really understand a controversial issue, you have to make an argument about it. A persuasive essay is the perfect summative assessment to see whether a student really understands the issue and can articulate their opinion.

Below, I’ll share a list of 15 persuasive essay topics and writing prompts that you can use with your class. If you scroll down to the bottom, I’ll also wrap up with some other methods and resources that can help you teach these controversial issues and how to write argumentative essays.

List of Persuasive Essay Topics and Writing Prompts

So, without further ado, here’s a list of questions that would make great writing prompts for a persuasive essay.

Should the Government Ban or Regulate Indecency on Television?

This is a controversial issue as old as the airwaves. As long as there’s been radio and television, there have been arguments about what is acceptable and what is obscene.

If you’re studying constitutional law or taking AP U.S. Government, you’re probably familiar with George Carlin and his famous “ Seven Dirty Words ” bit. But for the average student, this persuasive writing topic is still relevant.

Think about the music you hear on the radio. What is bleeped out? Why do we have “dirty” and “clean” versions of hit songs? Why are some television shows allowed to curse, be violent, and have nudity, while others don’t?

You could definitely take this broader topic and make it more specific and timely by relating it to a current hit song or television show that your students are in to.

But however you phrase it, whether or not the government should regulate indecency on television is a great persuasive essay topic.

Should Voters Be Required to Show Identification?

For the last few years, this has been an increasingly hot topic as individual states have moved to implement various forms of voter ID laws. On the face of it, this sounds reasonable, but underneath the surface there are arguments about voter suppression and exclusion.

Is voter fraud a problem that needs to be dealt with? An answer to this question should likely depend on some research about the extent to which people are impersonating voters to enter the voting booth.

What kind of ID should be required? Different types of ID have different requirements to obtain them, and so this choice matters to.

Finally, how do you deal with the potential for discriminatory exclusion? Some people – the elderly, the young, low income – are more likely to not have ID, and for some people it can be a financial burden to secure the documentation necessary to get an ID.

Here’s a great, short NY Times Op-Doc video about the issue, which leans more to the “against” side of voter ID laws .

This ongoing policy debate about Voter ID laws makes for a great argumentative essay topic.

Should Race Be a Factor in Admissions to Universities?

Affirmative action has been a controversial issue for decades. Initially, the debate was over whether or not strict racial quotas were an appropriate way to make up for centuries of discrimination and segregation.

These early forms of affirmative action were struck down by the Supreme Court in Regents of the University of California vs Bakke , but other forms of affirmative action survived. Bakke affirmed that universities could use race as one factor in their admissions, and universities have been trying to strike the proper balance since.

A few years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in again – in Fisher v. University of Texas – and upheld more holistic processes designed to ensure diversity. But in the aftermath of Fisher , a group of students have brought a case against Harvard that is likely destined to find itself at the Supreme Court soon.

Which begs the original question – is it appropriate for a University to use race as a factor in admissions in order to guarantee diversity of its student body?

Should the Government Limit the Amount of Money Spent on Political Campaigns?

The influence of money in politics is another issue that has been fought out in the Supreme Court over the last 50 years. Money in politics is nothing new, and there are plenty examples of its corrupting influence in the early history of the United States.

But since the 1970’s, the federal government has struggled to strike a proper balance between regulation and free speech. Early campaign finance laws sought to restrict spending, and that was ultimately overturned. More recently, McCain-Feingold (aka BCRA) tried to funnel campaign spending into committees that have strict disclosure and contribution regulations.

Much of that came to an end with Citizens United , and since 2010 there has been a renewed surge of “dark” money in politics. So there’s really two parts to this question – a) should there be restrictions on how much money people can contribute and/or spend and b) does the public have a right to know who is contributing money to whom?

One way or another, the question of campaign finance is a great persuasive essay topic.

Should the Government Publicly Finance Campaigns?

Related to the previous question, you might also use this question as an argumentative essay prompt – should the government avoid the influence of money altogether by publicly funding campaigns?

There are some examples to look at. In 1974, the federal government set up a Presidential Election Campaign Fund, and candidates can use it to get matching dollar amounts if they agree to certain restrictions. But since Citizens United , the program has largely fallen out of favor.

New Jersey is one of several states with a public funding option for gubernatorial campaigns, and Arizona and Maine have more comprehensive systems offering public funding for state legislative elections. But these laws have also been challenged in court, and part of Arizona’s public financing law was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2011.

A simple version of this persuasive essay topic would focus on whether or not the government should publicly finance campaigns, while a more complex version might touch on how the government could do it in a way that withstood judicial scrutiny.

Should the United States Intervene When Foreign Dictators Use Chemical Weapons on Their Own People?

This is a more narrow version of the general question – should the United States intervene in foreign countries or mind its own business?

In some historical cases – like World War II and the Holocaust – it seems pretty obvious that intervention is a good idea. But in the present moment, it’s a little harder to identify that dividing line.

There have been a number of recent cases along these lines – Syria, Iraq, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Students will likely have a huge range of opinions on the issue, with some being fiercely isolationist and others advocating intervention on the slightest chance of abuse.

This is one of my favorite persuasive essay topics because it links up so directly with a theme that I talk a lot about in class – conflict. Read more about teaching with themes here.

Should the Federal Government Raise the Minimum Wage to $15 per hour?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been there since 2009. With the Fight for $15 movement is gaining steam around the country, this would make a great persuasive writing topic.

What once seemed kind of crazy is slowly becoming more realistic. First, some progressive cities took the lead, like Seattle. Now, some states are following suit – including New Jersey and Illinois.

Of course, there’s still plenty of pushback against this idea and a national minimum wage hike doesn’t seem to be in the cards in the near future. But a student could certainly take a side and stake out an argument – and maybe even send it to their legislature.

This is another one of the persuasive essay topics that relates directly back to a major theme in social studies – this time the theme of economics, and whether or not the economy is fair. Read more here about essential questions related to economics.

Should Congress Require Annual Standardized Tests in Schools?

Here’s another essay topic that’s particularly relevant for students. Every student knows the pain of testing – in fact just this morning, I spent several hours proctoring the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA).

Testing has been around a long time, but the frequency of it increased – and was required nationwide – after the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (aka “No Child Left Behind”). Congress took another look at the issue with the next reauthorization – the Every Student Succeeds Act – but they ended up leaving the testing mandate alone.

So what do your students think? Ask them and have them write an argumentative essay about it.

You could also put a twist on this question by focusing on the use of tests as an exit requirement. There’s no federal mandate for this, but some states do require students to pass a standardized test to graduate. For older students, this surely a topic about which they’ll have an opinion.

Should the United States Grant Asylum to Refugees?

This is another age old question that has taken on new relevance. From the beginning of its history, the United States took in people who could be considered refugees. Historically, the greatest test of this question may be the Holocaust, and early on the United States failed that test.

You can watch this PBS Frontline episode, Forever Prison , to learn about the plight of Haitian refugees to the United States in the 1990’s. More recently, there are refugees looking to come to the United States from the Middle East and from Latin America. If your students spend any time watching the news, they’ve surely heard something about this.

This topic could revolve around what people are fleeing from. Should we only accept refugees from religious persecution and human rights abuses? What about crime or poverty? Or natural disasters?

It’s a complex question that gets to the heart of the immigration policy debate – and makes a perfect argumentative essay prompt.

Should the Government Have Access to Encrypted Devices and Communications Platforms?

The topic of government surveillance pops up in the news from time to time. Under Bush, there was the warrantless wire-tapping, the use of phone metadata, and the FBI snooping on e-mails.

More recently, this question focuses on access to encrypted communication platforms – like WhatsApp. To your students, these are probably just convenient ways to chat with each other. But to people with security concerns, they’re also a way to make sure that no one is listening in on their conversations.

There could be some good reasons for that. There could also be some bad reasons. Apparently terrorist groups like ISIS have used these encrypted communication platforms to plan attacks, which begs the question – should the government have some kind of backdoor to get in?

Some students will shrug this off and think it’s no big deal, while others will probably react with quite a bit of concern.

Should the Federal Government Permit or Ban the Death Penalty?

This is a good argumentative essay topic to use in conjunction with the Bill of Rights. The Eighth Amendment says no cruel unusual punishment – which should mean no death penalty, right?

Of course, there’s a historical angle to this. The death penalty was widely accepted in 1789, so you can make an argument that the Eighth Amendment doesn’t forbid it.

But there’s also the angle of justice and equity. In the 1970’s, through a series of court cases, the death penalty was deemed arbitrary and capricious – because it tended to be used more against certain offenders (i.e. African Americans).

This led to some reforms, and some states have continued to use the death penalty. Texas is leading the way on that front. Other states, however, have banned it, while others have put a moratorium on executions because of concerns over the method of execution.

Should Hate Speech Be Protected by the First Amendment?

This is another great writing prompt to use with the Bill of Rights, and it’s one that’s sure to elicit strong reaction from your students.

Supreme Court caselaw has held that speech – even hate speech – is protected by the First Amendment. A pivotal case in this vein was Brandenburg v. Ohio . In that case, the Court decided that speech could only be limited if it created an imminent danger, not because it was hateful.

Another way to frame the question is to focus on social media platforms. Recently, Facebook, Twitter, and other companies have come under fire for allowing White Supremacists to share various forms of hate speech on their platforms. One could then make a connection to any number of violent incidents throughout the country (or the world).

So if the government can’t regulate hate speech because of the First Amendment, does a platform like Facebook have an obligation to do so? Great topic for a persuasive essay.

Should the Government Send a Manned Mission to Mars?

I love space, so this question really appeals to me. Fifty years ago, people might have thought JFK was crazy when he planned to send a man to the moon. I’m sure there were plenty of heated debates about that.

Today’s frontier is a bit further away, but is it any more crazy? Sure, there are some technological leaps that need to be taken before it’s possible. But in the early 1960’s, putting a man on the moon may have seemed crazy, too.

But it’s an important question for the space program. What’s next? Back to the moon, on to Mars, or something else? Or should we just hang out on Earth for a while and try to fix what we’ve got here?

Maybe it’s the science fiction fan in me, but I just think this is a great topic to think about. I’d love to see what students would write about this in an argumentative essay.

Should the Federal Government Have to Balance the Budget?

This is a question that should come with a heavy dose of economics and economic policy. But it’s one worth asking. It could also be a good vehicle for teaching some of these concepts that might otherwise seem boring and wonky.

You could also connect this back to history. When you teach about the early years of the nation and Alexander Hamilton’s role as the Secretary of the Treasury, there’s undoubtedly something that comes up about the National Debt. Instead of talking about that in historical isolation, you can connect that today and think about the current federal budget.

This is also back in the news this week, with moderate Democrats (i.e. the Blue Dog Coalition backing a concept that has traditionally been more closely associated with Republicans. Perhaps it’s a blip on the national scene and the topic will fade away, but if it’s in the headlines why not use it as a persuasive essay topic?

Should the Voting Age be Lowered to 16?

We’ll end with this one because it has a direct impact on students. Should teenagers be allowed to vote?

A few years ago, this might have sounded crazy. But over the last few years there have been several municipalities that lowered their voting age to 16. At the federal level, Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduced an amendment to a bill on federal election reform that would have lowered the age for participation in Congressional and Presidential elections.

There’s also a historical angle to this question. Once upon a time – not all that long ago – you couldn’t vote at 18. To today’s students it may seem like a fait accompli , but the 26th Amendment that lowered the voting age was less than fifty years ago. At the founding of the country, some states required voters to be as old as 25.

So let students wrestle with this writing prompt in an argumentative essay and put together an argument for (or against) lowering the voting age.

Other Methods and Resources for Teaching Controversial Issues and Persuasive Essays

A big piece of teaching how to write a persuasive essay is the topic, but – especially with controversial issues – it also helps to teach some background about the topics.

One place you can look for resources for these questions is C-SPAN’s Classrooms Deliberations . These are in depth lessons on current policy debates that come scaffolded with C-SPAN videos and other resources. Some of these questions are featured in these Deliberations lessons, and this can be a great place to find the factual resources your students need to write good arguments.

Two other methods that you could think about using with these controversial issues are Take a Stand and A/B Writing . With the Take a Stand activity, students arrange themselves on a continuum based on how they feel about a question. With A/B writing, students choose a statement to agree with and write down their reason for choosing it. Either method is a great way to get students to start thinking about a topic that’s going to turn into a persuasive essay.

Finally, a lot of these issues are things that are debates that are playing out in the country right now. If you follow the news, you’re bound to hear about many of these issues on a weekly basis. Better yet, if you teach current events on a regular basis in your class, you can have your students relate what they’ve learned in the news to these essays. Here are some resources on how to use CNN10 to teach current events in your class .

Which Issue Have You Used From These Persuasive Essay Topics?

Have you used one of these topics in your class? How did you students respond?

Do you have another controversial issue that you’ve used as a topic for a persuasive essay? What was it?

Drop a line in the comment below and share with our readers.

1 comments on “15 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues”

• Anna H. Smith
• November 27, 2020

I really appreciate this website. I have learned some inciteful writing information. I feel strongly that I can go forward with the information that I have gained from this post. Great persuasive controversial essays you have shared. Thanks very much.

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839 Social Issues Essay Topics, Lists, & Good Ideas

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
• Icon Page 7051 words
• Icon Clock 32 min read

Social issues essay topics mean contemporary matters that affect society at large. They encompass many subjects, including poverty, racial and gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, climate change, and gun control. These topics offer an in-depth exploration of societal constructs, systems, and beliefs that shape the human world, encouraging critical thinking and fostering empathy toward diverse perspectives. Moreover, discussing hot issues allows people to identify societal imbalances and injustices while proposing solutions for a better and inclusive future. Thus, social issues essay topics can foster personal growth, broaden horizons, and serve as a platform to initiate dialogue and action on pressing problems or challenges in the global community.

Best Social Issues Essay Topics

• Racial Profiling and Its Impact on Modern Society
• Addressing Gender Inequality in the Workplace
• Implications of Cyberbullying in the Digital Age
• The Effect of Mass Media on Body Image
• Balancing Privacy Rights and National Security in Surveillance
• Modern-Day Human Trafficking: A Hidden Crime
• Climate Change: Examining Environmental Racism
• Immigration Policies: Social and Economic Impacts
• Cultural Appropriation in Fashion and Entertainment
• Violence in Video Games: Correlation to Real-World Aggression
• Youth Unemployment: A Rising Social Issue
• Religious Freedom vs. Societal Safety: The Thin Line
• Universal Basic Income: Solution for Poverty?
• Decriminalizing Drugs: The Portuguese Model
• Impacts of Technological Advancements on the Job Market
• Examining the Glass Ceiling Phenomenon
• Body Shaming: A Social Media Issue
• Exploring Mental Health Stigma in Society
• Consumerism and Its Effect on Climate Change
• Evaluating LGBTQ+ Rights Across Different Cultures
• Dissecting the Prison Industrial Complex in the US
• Effects of Single-Parenting on Child Development
• Social Implications of Genetically Modified Organisms
• Income Inequality: Impacts on Health and Longevity
• Discrimination in the Housing Market: A Hidden Problem

Easy Social Issues Essay Topics

• Economic Consequences of Child Labor
• Substance Abuse: A Social or Medical Issue?
• Ageism and Its Impact on Employment Opportunities
• Cybersecurity Threats: A Growing Social Concern
• The Digital Divide: Rural vs. Urban Internet Access
• Child Obesity: The Role of School Meals
• Modern Slavery: A Global Issue Hidden in Plain Sight
• Understanding the Roots of Homelessness in Developed Countries
• Food Insecurity in First-World Nations: Causes and Consequences
• Influence of Social Media on Political Polarization
• Effects of Fast Fashion on Third-World Workers
• Assisted Suicide: Ethical Dilemma or Human Right?
• Transgender Rights in Sports: A Critical Examination
• Terrorism and Its Impact on Social Cohesion
• Stereotypes and their Influence on Criminal Justice
• Understanding Social Exclusion in Public Schools
• Internet Censorship: Freedom of Speech vs. National Security
• Affordable Housing Crisis and Its Social Implications
• GMOs: A Solution for World Hunger or an Ecological Disaster?
• Social and Economic Impacts of Automation on Manufacturing Jobs
• Cultural Relativism: Understanding Human Rights Across Different Societies
• Privacy Issues Arising From Facial Recognition Technology
• Parental Rights vs. Child Protection in Medical Decisions
• Disability Discrimination in Employment: A Silent Crisis

Interesting Social Issues Essay Topics

• Social Impacts of Modernization on Indigenous Communities
• Stigmatization of Sex Work: Society’s View and Legal Status
• Animal Rights: Ethical Concerns Surrounding Factory Farming
• Influence of Television on Children’s Behavioral Development
• Political Corruption: Effects on Social Trust and Development
• Internet Addiction: A 21st Century Mental Health Issue
• Food Deserts: Addressing Urban Nutritional Inequality
• Ethical Dilemmas in Biomedical Engineering and Cloning
• Social Consequences of Aging Populations in Developed Countries
• Regulating Big Tech: Balancing Innovation and Privacy
• Analyzing Sexism in the Advertising Industry
• Impacts of Remote Work on Social Interaction and Mental Health
• Capital Punishment: A Justified Measure or a Human Rights Violation?
• Global Water Crisis: Social and Health Impacts
• Adoption Laws: Discrimination Against Single and LGBTQ+ Parents
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Humanitarian or Security Issue?
• Waste Management: Social and Environmental Implications
• The Role of Education in Preventing Youth Crime
• Social Implications of Autonomous Vehicles on Traffic and Employment
• Cultural Impacts of Westernization in Non-Western Countries
• Animal Assisted Therapy: Evaluating Benefits and Ethical Concerns
• Euthanasia: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Perspectives

Social Issues Research Topics

• Misinformation Spread: Impacts on Democracy and Public Health
• Child Soldiers: An Unresolved Global Crisis
• Identity Theft: The Growing Concern in Digital Age
• Pandemic and Its Impact on Mental Health
• Reality TV: Influence on Perception of Body Image and Relationships
• Genetic Engineering: Balancing Potential Benefits and Ethical Concerns
• Deconstructing Toxic Masculinity: A Psychological Perspective
• Roles of Non-Governmental Organizations in Social Change
• Media’s Influence on Perception of Police Brutality
• Importance of Financial Literacy in Youth Empowerment
• Addressing Period Poverty: The Hidden Barrier to Education
• Sports and Nationalism: The Social Impact of International Competitions
• Intersectionality in Feminism: Need for Inclusion in Activism
• Childhood Vaccinations: Public Health Necessity or Parental Choice?
• Social Media Influencers: Impacts on Youth and Consumer Behavior
• Obesity Epidemic: Fast Food Industry’s Responsibility
• Parenting Styles and Their Effect on Child’s Mental Health
• Impacts of Microfinance on Poverty Alleviation
• Cyberstalking: The Hidden Dangers of the Internet
• Juvenile Delinquency: Factors and Prevention Strategies
• Examining the Ethical Implications of Human Cloning
• The Changing Dynamics of Family Structure in Modern Society
• Online Education: Impacts on Accessibility and Quality of Learning

Social Argumentative Essay Topics

• Analyzing the Impact of Cyberbullying on Teen Mental Health
• Evaluating Measures for Reducing Plastic Waste in Urban Areas
• Addressing Racial Profiling Within Law Enforcement Agencies
• The Role of Affordable Housing in Mitigating Homelessness
• Necessity for Implementing Universal Basic Income
• Exploring the Efficacy of Gun Control Legislation
• Harnessing Technology for Elderly Care: An Imperative Approach
• Balancing Freedom of Speech With Hate Speech Regulations
• Prioritizing LGBTQ+ Rights in Contemporary Societies
• Reforming Education Systems to Promote Equality
• Human Trafficking: A Global Challenge Requiring Immediate Action
• The Growing Threat of Food Insecurity in Developed Nations
• Combatting Domestic Violence: Effectiveness of Current Legal Measures
• The Stigma Around Mental Health and Its Societal Impact
• Mandatory Vaccinations: A Necessary Evil or a Personal Choice?
• Unveiling Hidden Poverty in Affluent Societies
• Addressing Racial Disparities in Health Care Delivery
• Gender Pay Gap: A Persistent Social Issue
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies and Solutions
• Potential Dangers of Unregulated AI Technologies
• Climate Change Denial: An Analysis of Its Sociopolitical Impact
• Child Labor in Developing Countries: Causes and Solutions
• Public Health Challenges of Obesity in Children
• Socioeconomic Impacts of Drug Addiction

Persuasive Speech Topics on Social Issues

• Restorative Justice as a Solution to Overcrowded Prisons
• Empowering Women Through Microfinance in Developing Countries
• Environmental Racism: An Underexplored Aspect of Social Inequality
• Suicide Rates Among Veterans: A Hidden Crisis
• Implementing Sustainable Practices in Urban Development
• The Effect of Advertising on Consumerism and Waste Generation
• Systemic Bias in the Workplace: A Closer Look
• Income Inequality: Examining the Effects on Social Mobility
• Substance Abuse Prevention Programs in Schools
• The Consequences of Child Neglect on Future Generations
• Addressing Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS Patients
• Ethical Issues Surrounding Assisted Suicide Legislation
• The Role of Social Structures in Perpetuating Poverty
• Evaluating the Impact of Religious Discrimination on Society
• The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Academic Achievement
• Advocacy for Animal Rights in Modern Industrial Farming
• Transgender Rights: Overcoming Legal and Social Barriers
• The Effect of Climate Change on Global Poverty
• Exploring Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Challenge for Global Cooperation
• Accessibility Challenges in Public Transportation for Disabled Individuals
• Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Services for Marginalized Communities
• Addressing Child Malnutrition in Low-Income Countries

Social Issues Essay Topics on Abortion

• Historical Perspectives on Abortion Laws Globally
• Ethical Dilemmas: The Clash Between Personal Beliefs and Abortion
• Abortion Stigma: Understanding Its Roots and Effects
• Abortion and Religion: A Complex Intersection
• Public Policies Impacting Abortion Rights: A Comparative Analysis
• Emotional Consequences Experienced Post-Abortion
• Legal Implications of Restrictive Abortion Laws
• Safeguarding Women’s Health: The Role of Safe Abortion Services
• Evaluating the Economic Factors That Influence Abortion Decisions
• Exploring Medical Advancements in Abortion Procedures
• Adolescents and Abortion: Addressing the Legal and Social Implications
• Diverse Perspectives on Abortion: A Multicultural Examination
• Understanding the Relationship Between Abortion and Mental Health
• The Battle Between Pro-Life and Pro-Choice: An Ongoing Debate
• Sex Education’s Influence on Abortion Rates
• Roles of Feminism in the Fight for Abortion Rights
• Medical Ethics and Abortion: A Critical Examination
• Abortion’s Societal Impact: A Quantitative Study
• Dissecting the Stance of Various Political Parties on Abortion
• Access to Abortion Services: Disparity in Urban and Rural Areas

Social Issues Essay Topics on Animal Rights & Animal Welfare

• Unveiling the Truth: Animal Testing in Cosmetic Industries
• Captivity vs. Conservation: The Dilemma of Zoos
• From Farm to Plate: The Reality of Factory Farming
• Whales in Danger: Consequences of Commercial Whaling
• Shedding Light on Fur Trade: Ethical Concerns and Alternatives
• Animal Rights in Fashion: Examining the Use of Leather
• Exploring Ethical Dimensions: Use of Animals in Medical Research
• Wild At Heart: The Controversy Surrounding Trophy Hunting
• Lessons from Wildlife: The Impact of Habitat Destruction
• Outlawing Animal Cruelty: Legislation Across Different Countries
• Paws in Pain: The Distressing World of Puppy Mills
• Silent Sufferers: Effects of Climate Change on Animals
• Revealing the Dark Side: Illegal Animal Trade and Smuggling
• Spotlight on Animal Welfare: Importance of Veterinary Care
• Fins at Risk: Shark Finning and Its Ecological Consequences
• The Stolen Freedom: Circuses and Animal Entertainment Industry
• Livestock’s Long Journey: Animal Welfare in Transport
• Animal Rights vs. Religious Customs: A Delicate Balance
• Raising Awareness: The Role of Media in Animal Rights
• Laying Bare: The Deplorable Conditions of Animal Shelters
• Elephant Tusk Trade: A Dire Threat to Biodiversity

Consumption & Development Social Issues Topics

• Inequities in Global Resource Distribution: The Ethical Dilemma
• Technological Progress: Is It a Boon or a Bane for Sustainable Consumption?
• The Dark Side of Fast Fashion: Exploitation and Waste
• Climate Change: Impact on Global Food Security and Consumption
• E-Waste Management: Solutions for a Growing Global Concern
• Plastic Pollution: Analyzing Current Measures and Future Alternatives
• Economic Growth versus Environmental Conservation: Can They Coexist?
• Unchecked Tourism: Deciphering Its Impact on Natural Resources
• Overpopulation and Consumption: The Unsustainable Global Footprint
• Modern Agriculture’s Roles in Overconsumption and Soil Degradation
• Fast Food Culture: A Critical Look at Health and Environment
• Socioeconomic Disparities: How Do They Influence Consumption Patterns?
• The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Assessing Environmental Impact and Sustainability
• Impacts of Consumerism on Mental Health: Unmasking the Materialistic Culture
• Consumption in the Digital Age: E-Commerce and Its Environmental Consequences
• Urban Sprawl: Analyzing Its Effects on Natural Resources and Wildlife
• Influences of Advertising on Consumer Behavior: A Critical Analysis
• Access to Clean Water: A Global Crisis of Consumption and Pollution
• Global Supply Chains: Assessing Labor Exploitation and Sustainability
• The Role of Government Policies in Controlling Resource Overconsumption

Social Issues Topics on Cultural Appropriation & Stereotyping

• Identifying the Line Between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation
• Stereotypes and Their Impact on Multicultural Relationships
• Consequences of Racial Stereotypes in Media Representation
• Commercialization and Exploitation of Indigenous Artifacts: Is It Cultural Appropriation?
• Stereotyping in Advertising: A Social Issue Worth Investigating
• Cultural Appropriation in the Fashion Industry: A Matter of Concern?
• Dissecting the Influence of Stereotypes on Academic Achievement
• Roles of Stereotyping in Gender Bias and Discrimination
• Music Genres: The Unseen Consequences of Cultural Appropriation
• Stereotypes in Children’s Books: Effects on Young Minds
• Influence of Cultural Appropriation on Traditional Cuisine and Recipes
• Roles of Stereotyping in Perpetuating Social Inequalities
• Cultural Appropriation in Yoga and Mindfulness Practices: Is It Problematic?
• Examination of Racial Stereotypes in Sports and Athletics
• Analyzing the Consequences of Cultural Appropriation in Hair and Beauty Trends
• Impact of Stereotyping on Mental Health and Self-Esteem
• Cultural Appropriation in Hollywood: Does It Harm or Help Cultural Understanding?
• Stereotypes in Video Games: Reflection of Society or Cause of Bias?
• Ethics of Cultural Appropriation in Literature and Fiction
• Stereotyping in Job Interviews: Its Effect on Employment Opportunities
• Linguistic Stereotypes and Their Consequences on Communication

Social Issues Topics on Cultural Property

• Protection of Indigenous Artifacts: Upholding Cultural Integrity
• Ethics of Art Repatriation: Addressing Historical Injustices
• National Museums’ Roles in Preserving Cultural Property
• Legislation Governing Cultural Heritage: An International Perspective
• Exploitation of Cultural Resources: Implications for Native Communities
• Antiquities Trade and Cultural Property: A Critical Analysis
• Cultural Patrimony: The Need for Enhanced International Cooperation
• Digitization of Cultural Property: Challenges and Opportunities
• Illicit Traffic of Cultural Goods: A Global Concern
• Respecting Intangible Heritage: Measures for Cultural Safeguarding
• Modern Architecture as Cultural Property: Preservation Challenges
• Safeguarding Underwater Heritage: Issues in Maritime Archaeology
• War Effects on Cultural Heritage: A Case Study
• Postcolonial Dynamics in Cultural Property Ownership
• Religious Institutions and the Preservation of Cultural Property
• Consequences of Tourism on Cultural Sites and Artifacts
• Climate Change Impact on Cultural Heritage Sites
• Archaeological Excavations: Ethical Considerations in Cultural Property Handling
• Historical Sites and Urban Development: A Balancing Act
• Sacred Objects Repatriation: Ethical Dilemmas

Current Social Issues Topics in America

• Unequal Access to Healthcare: A Crisis in American Communities
• Evaluating the Implications of Police Reform Movements
• Climate Change and Its Effect on US Coastal Cities
• Dissecting the Racial Disparities in American Public Education
• Homelessness Crisis: Solutions and Strategies for American Urban Areas
• Obesity Epidemic: America’s Unseen Public Health Dilemma
• Addressing the Wage Gap: Women’s Fight for Economic Equality
• The Struggle for LGBTQ+ Rights and Recognition in America
• Cybersecurity Threats: The Invisible War on American Infrastructure
• Investigating the Opioid Epidemic: Its Socioeconomic Ramifications
• The Future of Immigration Policy and Its Impact on American Society
• Free Speech vs. Hate Speech: Striking a Balance in the Digital Age
• Childhood Obesity: A Growing Issue in American Society
• Veterans’ Struggles: The Unaddressed Trauma and Its Consequences
• Gun Control and Second Amendment Rights: A Polarizing Debate
• The Role of Technology in Exacerbating Income Inequality
• Confronting Racism in American Sports: A Silent Scourge
• Democracy and Disinformation: The Threat of Fake News
• Youth Suicide Rates: The Silent Epidemic in American Schools
• Implications of Artificial Intelligence on the American Job Market
• Challenges Facing Indigenous Peoples: Reservations, Rights, and Resources

Social Issues Essay Topics on Disability & Accessibility

• The Role of Universal Design in Fostering Inclusivity
• Exploring the Physical Barriers That Hinder Accessibility
• The Effect of Societal Attitudes on Disability Acceptance
• Modern Technology’s Impacts on Accessibility for the Disabled
• Employment Opportunities and Disability: A Global Perspective
• Understanding Disability Representation in Media
• Disability Rights Movements: Their Evolution and Impact
• Societal Implications of Disability Stereotypes
• Investigating the Intersectionality of Disability and Race
• Disabilities and Education: Tackling Systemic Challenges
• Mental Health and Its Relation to Disability
• Accessibility in Public Transportation: An Unsolved Problem
• Sports Participation and Its Significance for Disabled Individuals
• Chronic Illness: Unseen Disabilities and Societal Perception
• Inadequacies in Health Care Services for People With Disabilities
• The Influence of Disability on Social Identity
• Assessing the Current State of Assistive Technology
• Cultural Perspectives on Disability: A Comparative Study
• Barriers to Effective Disability Legislation: Overcoming Challenges
• Disability Advocacy: Celebrating Prominent Figures and Their Contributions

Social Issues Topics on Discrimination & Prejudice

• Unraveling the Causes and Consequences of Religious Discrimination in Contemporary Society
• Ageism in the Workplace: An Overlooked Issue in the Modern Professional Environment
• Investigating Homophobia: The Role of Media in Shaping Attitudes Toward the LGBTQ+ Community
• Ethnic Prejudice in Education: Analysis of Its Impact on Minority Students’ Performance
• Stereotypes in Advertising: Their Influence on Consumer Perception and Bias
• Discrimination Against Immigrants: Exploring Its Socioeconomic Consequences
• Intersectionality: The Complex Overlay of Gender, Race, and Class Discrimination
• Roles of Legislation in Reducing Workplace Discrimination: A Comparative Study
• Body Shaming: Prevalence and Impact on Mental Health in Adolescents
• Cyberbullying and Online Hate Speech: The New Frontier of Discrimination
• Colorism: A Forgotten Aspect of Racial Discrimination in Society
• Disparity in Criminal Sentencing: Examining Racial Bias in the Justice System
• Prejudice Toward Mental Health: Evaluating Society’s Misunderstandings and Fear
• Parental Discrimination: The Unseen Prejudice Against Single Fathers in Society
• Obesity Stigma: The Social and Psychological Impacts of Weight Discrimination
• Ableism in Popular Media: Effects on Perception of Disabled Individuals
• Wealth Inequality: The Role of Discrimination in the Widening Socioeconomic Gap
• Transgender Rights: Unpacking Discrimination in Public Policy and Healthcare
• Xenophobia and Its Influence on Nationalistic Politics
• Linguistic Discrimination: The Unaddressed Bias Against Accents and Dialects
• Socioeconomic Discrimination: Implications for Access to Quality Education

Social Issues Topics About Education & Access to Education

• Exploring the Digital Divide: Impact on Rural Students’ Access to Education
• Gender Bias in Educational Resources: A Global Perspective
• Implications of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Attainment
• Understanding Disability-Inclusive Policies in Modern Education Systems
• Effectiveness of Online Learning for Underserved Communities
• Analyzing Racial Disparities in Standardized Testing
• Mitigating the Influence of Poverty on Student Performance
• Unraveling the Impact of Cultural Differences in Bilingual Education
• Diversity in School Curricula: The Need for Greater Representation
• Cyberbullying: Its Effect on Student Mental Health and Academic Performance
• Improving Immigrant Student Assimilation Through Culturally Sensitive Teaching Methods
• College Affordability: The Rising Student Debt Crisis
• School-to-Prison Pipeline: Effects of Zero Tolerance Policies
• Inequalities in Education: Comparing Urban and Rural Schools
• Reducing High School Dropout Rates: Successful Intervention Strategies
• Reforming Educational Policies for LGBTQ+ Students
• Evaluating Mental Health Support in Schools
• Public vs. Private Education: Impact on Student Success
• The Role of Technology in Modernizing Classroom Infrastructure
• Promoting Female Participation in STEM Fields

Environmental Social Issues Topics

• Consequences of Deforestation on Global Biodiversity
• Climate Change: Its Impact on Polar Ice Caps
• Analyzing Plastic Waste: Threats and Alternatives
• Overpopulation: Evaluating Its Effect on Natural Resources
• Water Scarcity: A Deep Dive Into Its Global Impact
• Impacts of Urbanization on Natural Habitats
• The Significance of Green Architecture in Reducing Carbon Footprint
• Industrial Pollution: Evaluating Its Effect on Air Quality
• The Importance of Sustainable Agriculture in Maintaining Soil Health
• Coral Reefs: Threats and Conservation Strategies
• Ocean Acidification: The Invisible Climate Threat
• Endangered Species: Exploring the Role of Poaching
• Genetic Modification in Agriculture: Boon or Bane for Biodiversity
• E-Waste Management: A New Global Challenge
• Pollution Control: Scrutinizing the Efficacy of International Laws
• Landfill Dilemmas: Exploring the Potential of Waste-to-Energy Technologies
• Invasive Species: Assessing Their Impact on Native Ecosystems
• Food Waste: A Hidden Contributor to Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Renewable Energy: A Possible Solution to Fossil Fuel Dependence
• Hydropower Projects: Weighing Environmental Costs Against Energy Benefits
• Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Preservation

Feminism Social Issues Topics

• Evolution of Feminism in the 21st Century: A Historical Perspective
• Unveiling the Multidimensional Impact of Cyberfeminism
• Feminist Literary Criticism: An Examination of Its Influence on Modern Literature
• Intersectionality: A Pivotal Factor in Feminism
• Dissecting the Representation of Women in the Media
• Glass Ceiling Phenomenon: A Feminist Analysis
• Analysis of Feminism’s Role in Promoting Equal Educational Opportunities
• Unpacking the Implications of Feminist Legal Theory
• Unveiling Men’s Roles in the Feminist Movement: A Contemporary Perspective
• Analysis of Body Positivity: A Feminist Perspective
• Understanding the Intersection of Feminism and Environmental Justice
• Exploring the Gender Pay Gap Through the Lens of Feminism
• Queer Theory and Feminism: An Unfolding Narrative
• Ecofeminism: An Analysis of Its Relevance in the Modern World
• Transnational Feminism: Exploring Its Impact on Global Gender Equality
• Impacts of Feminist Economics on the Global Financial System
• Dissecting the Influence of Feminist Activism on Social Change
• Gender Stereotypes: Feminism’s Response to Societal Norms
• Exploring the Role of Feminism in Promoting Reproductive Rights
• Comparative Analysis of Feminist Movements Across the Globe

Social Issues Essay Topics About Gender Identity & Transgender

• Understanding the Struggles of Transgender Teens in Public Schools
• Intersectionality in the Transgender Community: Race, Class, and Gender
• Gender Dysphoria: Psychological Perspectives and Treatment Approaches
• Public Restroom Access: A Crucial Issue for Transgender Individuals
• Fostering Safe Spaces: Inclusion of Transgender People in Sports
• Media Representation: Portrayal of Transgender Characters in Film and Television
• Debunking Myths: Unraveling Misconceptions About Non-Binary Identities
• Transgender Rights: Analyzing Global Legal Landscapes
• Queer Theory and Its Influence on Transgender Studies
• Gender Affirmation Surgeries: Accessibility and Ethical Dilemmas
• Workplace Discrimination: Challenges Faced by Transgender Employees
• Religious Perspectives: Understanding Transgender Acceptance in Different Faiths
• Bias in Healthcare: Addressing Transgender Medical Discrimination
• Parental Support: Influence on Transgender Youth Mental Health
• Evolution of Language: The Importance of Pronouns in Transgender Identities
• Activism’s Role in Advancing Transgender Equality and Justice
• Fashion Industry: Promoting or Hindering Transgender Inclusivity?
• Racial Disparities: Exploring Transgender Experiences Within Minority Groups
• Military Service: Transgender Inclusion and Barriers
• Legislation Impact: Tracing Changes in Transgender Rights Over Time
• Education Reform: Incorporating Gender Identity Into School Curriculum

Social Issues Topics About Gun Control & Second Amendment

• Influences of Media Portrayals on Gun Control Attitudes
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Current Gun Control Measures
• The Second Amendment: A Historical Perspective
• School Shootings and Proposed Gun Control Solutions
• Rights of Individuals vs. Societal Safety: A Critical Analysis
• Roles of Firearms in Domestic Violence Cases
• Arguments for Stricter Gun Control Laws in the United States
• Mental Health Considerations in Gun Control Discussions
• Diverse Opinions on Gun Control: A Comparative Study
• Gun Control Policies: A Comparative Analysis Between States
• Perspectives on Concealed Carry Laws Across America
• Examining the Link Between Gun Ownership and Crime Rates
• Impacts of Gun Control on Suicide Rates
• Gun Shows and the Loophole in Gun Control Laws
• Stand-Your-Ground Laws: An Examination of Gun Rights
• Gun Control Debate: Rural vs. Urban Perspectives
• Racial Disparities in Gun Control Enforcement
• Influence of Political Parties on Gun Control Legislation
• Constitutional Interpretations of the Second Amendment
• Gun Control Laws and Their Effect on Hunting Culture

Social Issues Topics About Healthcare & Access to Healthcare

• Exploring the Implications of Mental Health Stigma in Healthcare Access
• Impacts of Socioeconomic Status on Quality of Medical Care
• Evaluating the Role of Education in Preventive Healthcare
• Assessing Challenges Faced by the Homeless in Obtaining Essential Medical Services
• Childhood Obesity: Tracing the Societal and Systemic Contributors
• Unpacking the Barriers to Healthcare in Rural Communities
• Telemedicine: Assessing its Effect on Health Equity
• Roles of Health Insurance in Shaping Healthcare Accessibility
• Gender Disparities in Healthcare: A Critical Examination
• Health Literacy: Its Influence on Patient-Care Provider Interactions
• Analyzing the Intersectionality of Race, Gender, and Healthcare Access
• Effects of Pandemics on Healthcare Inequality
• Transgender Health: Overcoming Challenges in Access and Understanding
• The Influence of Immigrant Status on Healthcare Access
• Comparing Global Health Systems: Lessons for Improved Access
• Food Insecurity and Its Link to Chronic Health Conditions
• Reproductive Rights: A Deep Dive Into Accessibility and Quality of Care
• Tackling Ageism in Health Services: A Study on Elderly Care
• Health Disparities Among Indigenous Populations: Causes and Solutions
• Holistic Healthcare: How Accessibility to Alternative Medicine Matters
• Substance Abuse Treatment: A Study on Access and Stigma

Health-Related Social Issues Essay Topics

• Stigma Attached to Mental Health Disorders in Society
• Obesity Epidemic: Societal Factors and Solutions
• Impacts of Socioeconomic Status on Nutritional Choices
• Alcoholism and Its Societal Consequences
• Social Implications of Ageing Population Dynamics
• Vaccination Hesitancy: A Public Health Crisis
• Intersection of Racism and Health Inequalities
• Domestic Violence: Hidden Health Crisis in Homes
• Effects of Urbanization on Public Health
• Bullying and Its Influence on Adolescent Mental Health
• Climate Change: Potential Impact on Global Health
• Exploring Substance Abuse Within Marginalized Communities
• Roles of Education in Promoting Sexual Health
• Chronic Illness and Social Isolation: A Silent Dilemma
• Investigating the Link Between Poverty and Disease Prevalence
• Health Insurance: The Great Divide in Medical Access
• Gender Disparities in Health: Biological or Societal?
• Exploring the Correlation Between Illiteracy and Poor Health
• HIV/AIDS Stigmatization: A Barrier to Effective Treatment
• Roles of Government Policies in Obesity Prevention

Social Issues Essay Topics About Homelessness & Housing Insecurity

• Addressing the Root Causes of Housing Instability: Poverty and Inequality
• The Intersection of Race and Homelessness in Society
• Promoting Social Inclusion for the Homeless Community
• Innovative Approaches to Sheltering the Unhoused
• Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: Rehabilitation Programs
• Supporting Homeless Veterans: Ensuring Their Well-Being
• Substance Abuse and Its Impact on Homelessness
• Rethinking Urban Development to Address Housing Insecurity
• The Role of Education in Preventing Homelessness
• Legal Rights and Protections for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
• The Link Between Homelessness and Food Scarcity
• LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness: Upholding and Supporting Vulnerable Communities
• Improving Healthcare Access to Reduce Homelessness
• Overcoming Housing Challenges in Rural Areas
• Gentrification and Its Effects on Housing Instability
• Safe Spaces for Homeless Families With Children
• Homelessness and the Aging Population: Ensuring Support and Dignity
• Natural Disasters and Their Impact on Housing Insecurity
• Challenging Stereotypes: Changing Perceptions of Homelessness
• Collaborative Solutions to Homelessness: Public-Private Partnerships
• Housing First Approach: A Pathway to Stability

Social Issues Topics About Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery

• Unveiling the Dark Reality: Exploring the Causes and Consequences of Human Trafficking
• International Cooperation: Strengthening Efforts to Combat Modern Slavery
• Gender, Race, and Class: The Intersectionality of Human Trafficking
• Shaping Public Opinion: Media’s Influence on Raising Awareness about Human Trafficking
• Linkages Between Global Migration and Human Trafficking
• Preventing Human Trafficking: The Vital Role of Education
• Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Policies against Human Trafficking
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Addressing Human Trafficking in Supply Chains
• Healing and Recovery: Understanding the Psychological Impact on Human Trafficking Survivors
• Complex Nexus: Exploring the Connection Between Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
• Unmasking the Hidden Reality: Investigating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor
• Grassroots Movements for Change: The Role of NGOs in Combating Human Trafficking
• Breaking the Cycle of Exploitation: Human Trafficking and Child Labor
• Bridging the Gap: Human Trafficking and Human Rights
• Emerging Challenges and Opportunities: Technology’s Impact on Human Trafficking
• A Harsh Reality of Modern Warfare: Human Trafficking in Conflict Zones
• Identifying and Prosecuting Human Traffickers: Law Enforcement’s Crucial Role
• Addressing the Root Causes: Exploring the Role of Demand in Human Trafficking
• Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Human Trafficking and Labor Migration
• An Alarming Nexus: Human Trafficking and Organ Trafficking

Humanity Social Issues Topics

• Gender Inequality: Challenging Societal Norms
• Combating Racism and Promoting Equality in Society
• Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence
• Human Rights Violations and the Importance of Advocacy
• Overcoming Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
• Economic Disparities: Addressing Wealth Inequality
• The Power of Empathy in Fostering Social Change
• Access to Healthcare: Bridging the Gap
• Eradicating Child Labor: A Pathway to a Better Future
• Challenges of Immigration and Refugee Integration
• Promoting Ethical Practices in the Business World
• Social Media and Its Impact on Human Connection
• Tackling Food Insecurity: A Humanitarian Imperative
• Promoting Cultural Diversity in a Globalized World
• Addressing Human Trafficking: Protecting the Vulnerable
• Disability Rights and Inclusion: Building an Accessible Society
• The Role of NGOs in Addressing Humanitarian Crises
• Challenging Ageism: Valuing the Wisdom of the Elderly
• Ending Domestic Violence: Empowering Survivors
• Fighting Corruption: Preserving Societal Integrity
• Overcoming Religious Intolerance: Promoting Interfaith Dialogue

Illiteracy Social Issues Topics

• Overcoming Educational Disadvantages: Illiteracy and Poverty
• Digital Divide: Overcoming Barriers to Illiteracy
• Empowering Women through Literacy Education
• Illiteracy and Its Effect on Health and Access to Healthcare
• Education for All: Tackling Illiteracy Challenges
• Harnessing Technology to Combat the Illiteracy Crisis
• The Role of Parental Involvement in Reducing Illiteracy
• Social Exclusion and Illiteracy: A Vicious Cycle
• Bridging the Gap: Accessible Education in Rural Areas
• Early Childhood Literacy Programs: Building a Strong Foundation
• Illiteracy and Environmental Sustainability: Raising Awareness
• Media Literacy: Breaking Illiteracy Barriers to Information
• Empowering Refugees through Literacy Education
• Addressing Illiteracy in the Aging Population
• Illiteracy and Crime: Disrupting the Connection
• Indigenous Communities and Literacy: Empowering Cultural Heritage
• Innovative Approaches to Adult Literacy Programs
• Illiteracy’s Role in Perpetuating Gender Inequality
• Language Access in Adult Literacy Initiatives
• Overcoming Stigma: Transforming Perceptions of Illiteracy

LGBT Social Issues Topics & Ideas

• Intersectionality: Exploring the Experiences of LGBTQ+ People of Color
• Religion and Homosexuality: Bridging the Gap
• LGBTQ+ Representation in Media: Significance and Challenges
• Conversion Therapy: Harmful Effects on LGBTQ+ Individuals
• Aging and Healthcare Access for LGBTQ+ Individuals
• Workplace Equality: Upholding LGBTQ+ Rights
• Parental Acceptance and Support for LGBTQ+ Youth
• Education and LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Fostering Acceptance
• Homosexuality and the Criminal Justice System: Challenges and Progress
• Protecting and Empowering LGBTQ+ Refugees
• LGBTQ+ Activism: Historical Milestones and Future Directions
• Bisexuality: Challenging Stereotypes and Biphobia
• Non-Binary Identity: Embracing Gender Non-Conformity
• LGBTQ+ Representation in Politics and Leadership
• Transgender Healthcare: Addressing Barriers and Disparities
• LGBTQ+ Families: Diverse Dynamics and Parenting
• Homelessness and Housing Discrimination Among LGBTQ+ Individuals
• LGBTQ+ Pride Parades: Celebration, Solidarity, and Resistance
• Isolation and Support for LGBTQ+ Elders
• Asexuality: Beyond the Binary Norms and Misconceptions
• Combating LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes: Strengthening Legislation and Awareness

Social Issues Essay Topics on Mental Health & Mental Illness

• Addressing Mental Health Disparities Among Marginalized Populations
• Understanding the Relationship Between Trauma and Psychiatric Conditions
• Promoting Mental Health Support in Educational Institutions
• Examining the Role of Genetics in Mental Health Disorders
• Integrating Mental Health Care into Primary Healthcare Systems
• Challenging Gender Stereotypes and Societal Expectations Surrounding Mental Health
• The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Mental Well-Being Outcomes
• Advocating for Mental Health Education in Academic Settings
• Exploring the Link Between Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Disorders
• The Role of Art Therapy in Enhancing Mental Health
• Investigating the Connection Between Mental Health and Homelessness
• Supporting Children and Adolescents Coping With Mental Health Challenges
• Breaking the Cycle: Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System
• Addressing Mental Health Stigma Within the LGBTQ+ Community
• The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Well-Being
• Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Psychological Health
• Promoting Mental Health in Rural Communities
• Examining the Intersectionality of Mental Health and Disability
• The Relationship Between Exercise and Emotional Wellness
• Supporting Veterans Dealing With Psychological Challenges

Social Issues Topics About Migration & Immigration

• Enhancing Access to Healthcare for Undocumented Individuals
• Effects of Immigration Policies on Family Unity
• Assessing the Link Between Immigration and Crime Rates
• The Economic Contribution of Immigrant Entrepreneurs
• Balancing National Security and Humanitarian Responsibility in Migration Policies
• Examining the Impact of Migration on Cultural Diversity and Identity
• The Role of Social Services in Assisting Migrants
• Implications of Climate Change on Migration Patterns
• Promoting International Cooperation in Managing Migration Flows
• Explaining the Effects of Immigration on Wage Disparities
• Addressing the Integration Challenges Faced by Immigrant Women
• Assessing the Economic Impact of Deportation Policies
• Media’s Influence on Public Perception of Immigration
• The Role of Education in Immigrant Integration and Empowerment
• Securing Borders and Enforcing Immigration Laws
• Analyzing the Impact of Brain Drain on Developing Nations
• Non-Governmental Organizations’ Assistance to Migrants
• Rights and Responsibilities of Immigrants in Host Countries
• The Impact of Immigration on Social Welfare Systems
• Language Acquisition and Immigrant Integration
• Exploring the Effects of Migration on Housing Markets

Peace and War Social Issues Topics

• Healing the Wounds: Restorative Justice in Post-War Communities
• Education as a Catalyst for Peaceful Coexistence
• Media’s Roles in Influencing Public Perception of Conflict and Harmony
• Safeguarding Human Rights in Times of Armed Strife
• Environmental Degradation: Implications for Peaceful Societies
• Ethics of Intervention: Balancing Sovereignty and Responsibility
• Economic Disparity: A Driver of Conflict
• Addressing the Underlying Causes of Strife: Social, Economic, and Political Factors
• Empowering Women for Lasting Peace: Achieving Gender Equality
• Religion’s Influence on Peaceful Coexistence: Bridging Divides or Exacerbating Tensions?
• Cyber Warfare: Emerging Battlegrounds and the Imperative for Digital Harmony
• Curbing Arms Trade: Mitigating Weapons Proliferation for Global Security
• Refugee Crises: Humanitarian Responses and the Quest for Peace
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Mediating Conflict and Fostering Reconciliation
• Nationalism’s Roles in International Relations: Building Bridges or Deepening Divisions?
• Nuclear Disarmament: The Urgency of Global Collaboration
• Ensuring Accountability for War Crimes: Pursuing Justice for Victims
• Promoting Peace through Education: Instilling a Culture of Nonviolence
• Complexities of Peacekeeping: Triumphs, Trials, and Lessons Learned
• Art and Literature: Conveying Messages of Peace and Facilitating Healing

Social Issues Essay Topics on Police & Criminal Justice

• Community Impacts of Mass Incarceration: Reevaluating Strategies
• Balancing Rehabilitation and Punishment in Criminal Justice Systems
• Juvenile Justice: Empowering Youth Through Rehabilitation
• Examining the Consequences of Privatizing Prisons
• Safeguarding Civil Liberties: Evaluating Police Militarization
• Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Fostering Equal Opportunities
• Achieving Gender Equality in the Criminal Justice System
• Bridging the Gap: Mental Health Support in the Criminal Justice System
• The Ethics of Capital Punishment: Alternatives and Reflections
• Enhancing Public Safety: Police Training and De-Escalation Tactics
• Restorative Justice: Healing Communities, Reducing Recidivism
• Promoting Equity: Reforming Bail Systems
• Rethinking Drug Policies: Consequences and Alternative Approaches
• Collaboration and Trust: Strengthening Community Policing
• Combating Cybercrime: Law Enforcement’s Evolving Role
• Preserving Innocence: Addressing Wrongful Convictions
• Addressing Sentencing Disparities: Pursuing Fairness
• Transparency and Accountability: Police Internal Affairs
• Successful Reintegration: Rehabilitation Programs for Offenders
• Balancing Privacy and Security: The Impact of Technology in Policing
• Combating Hate Crimes: Bias Awareness and Law Enforcement

Pornography Social Issues Topics

• Addiction to Sexual Material: Understanding and Treating the Issue
• Feminist Perspectives on Obscene Material and Objectification
• Pornography and Its Influence on Adolescent Development
• The Economic Implications of the Adult Entertainment Industry
• Representations of Gender in Erotic Media and Their Impact
• Media Literacy and Critical Thinking: Analyzing Sexual Content
• The Connection Between Adult Material and Violence Against Women
• Addressing Consent and Boundaries in Explicit Productions
• Sexualized Media and Body Image Issues: Unrealistic Standards
• Education’s Roles in Preventing Harmful Sexual Content Consumption
• The Intersection of Pornography and Technology: Challenges and Solutions
• Cultivating Healthy Sexual Expression in the Age of Explicit Material
• The Erosion of Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships: Pornography’s Role
• The Impact of Sexual Material on Youth Sexual Education
• Addressing the Demand for Exploitative Content: Legal and Social Approaches
• Media Responsibility: Portrayal of Sexuality Beyond Obscenity
• Pornography and Sexual Violence: Unraveling the Connection
• Rehabilitation and Support for Individuals Affected by the Adult Entertainment Industry
• The Role of Social Media in the Accessibility and Consumption of Sexual Content
• Educating about Consent: Empowering Individuals to Make Informed Choices

Social Issues Essay Topics About Poverty & Income Inequality

• Addressing Poverty and Reducing Income Disparities
• Implementing Effective Policies for Economic Equality
• Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Economic Advancement
• Bridging the Wealth Gap: Strategies for Equity
• Alleviating Poverty Through Sustainable Development
• Tackling Income Inequality: Fair Wealth Distribution
• Empowering Marginalized Communities in Overcoming Poverty
• Reducing Income Disparity: A Holistic Approach
• Combating Poverty Through Education and Skill Development
• Promoting Social Mobility to Address Income Inequality
• Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Empowering Future Generations
• Strengthening Social Safety Nets for the Impoverished
• Increasing Wages: A Step Toward Reducing Income Inequality
• Raising Awareness About Poverty and Wealth Disparities
• Encouraging Corporate Responsibility to Address Poverty
• Advocating Affordable Housing for Poverty Alleviation
• Empowering Women to Overcome Income Disparities
• Promoting Financial Inclusion to Reduce Poverty
• Addressing Income Inequality in Developing Nations
• Overcoming Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Wealth and Poverty
• Enhancing Healthcare Access for Vulnerable Populations

Racism Social Issues Topics

• Uniting Communities: Building Bridges to Eradicate Racial Prejudice
• Addressing Implicit Bias: Challenging Stereotypes and Racial Profiling
• Racial Injustice Within the Criminal Justice System: Reforming Policies and Practices
• Equality in the Workplace: Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
• Eradicating Hate Speech: Promoting Respectful Communication
• Racism in Healthcare: Ensuring Equitable Access and Quality Treatment
• Environmental Racism: Protecting Marginalized Communities From Toxic Exposure
• The Role of Education in Combating Racism: Promoting Cultural Understanding
• Racism and Mental Health: Addressing the Psychological Impacts
• Promoting Racial Justice in Immigration Policies
• Racial Disparities in Wealth and Economic Opportunities: Bridging the Gap
• Segregation in Residential Areas: Promoting Integration and Equality
• Challenging Colorism: Overcoming Prejudice Based on Skin Tone
• The Intersectionality of Racism and Sexism: Empowering Women of Color
• Racial Profiling and Policing: Ensuring Fair and Just Law Enforcement
• Inequality in Voting Rights: Safeguarding Democracy for All
• Racism and Sports: Promoting Inclusivity and Fair Play
• Historical Reparations for Racial Injustices: Acknowledging Past Wrongs
• Addressing Racism in the Digital Sphere: Countering Online Hate
• Racism in Immigration Policies: Promoting Fairness and Compassion

Social Issues Essay Topics Related to Social Media

• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Social Media in Facilitating Social Movements
• Shaping Public Opinion and Perception: The Role of Social Media
• Recognizing and Managing the Consequences of Social Media Addiction
• Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Online Activism
• Unmasking Misinformation: Combating Fake News on Social Media
• Exploring Social Media’s Impact on Interpersonal Connections
• Transforming Education: Leveraging Social Media for Learning
• Enhancing Cybersecurity on Digital Platforms: Safeguarding Users
• Social Media and Online Activism: A Comparative Study
• Ethics and Data Collection on Social Media: An Analytical Perspective
• Bridging Political Polarization through Social Media Engagement
• Analyzing the Influence of Social Media on Youth Culture and Identity
• Mobilizing Communities for Change: Social Media and Civic Engagement
• Fostering Inclusivity: Promoting Diversity on Digital Platforms
• The Dark Side of the Internet: Cyberstalking and Online Harassment
• Navigating Social Media Algorithms: Challenges and Strategies
• Balancing Freedom of Expression and Hate Speech on Digital Platforms
• Global Perspectives on Digital Activism: The Power of Social Media
• Social Media’s Influence on Political Campaigns and Elections
• Environmental Activism in the Digital Age: Leveraging Social Media
• Promoting Online Safety and Digital Citizenship on Social Platforms

Justice Essay Topics on Human Rights Issues

• Privacy in the Digital Age: Balancing Security and Individual Rights
• Criminal Justice Reform: Addressing Systemic Injustices
• Promoting LGBTQ+ Rights: Striving for Inclusion and Acceptance
• Eradicating Child Labor: Protecting the Future Generation
• Climate Change and Human Rights: Mitigating Environmental Injustices
• Disability Rights: Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility
• Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Recognizing and Preserving Cultural Heritage
• Freedom of Speech: Navigating the Boundaries of Expression
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Ensuring Protection and Support
• The Right to Healthcare: Overcoming Barriers to Access
• LGBTQ+ Adoption Rights: Fostering Loving Families
• Racial Profiling: Combating Discrimination in Law Enforcement
• Workers’ Rights: Empowering Labor in the Global Economy
• Right to Religious Freedom: Respecting Diverse Beliefs
• Genital Mutilation: Eliminating Harmful Traditional Practices
• Social Media and Human Rights: Navigating the Online Landscape
• The Right to Adequate Housing: Addressing Homelessness
• Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict: Protecting Innocence
• The Right to Water: Combating Water Scarcity and Inequality
• Combatting Hate Crimes: Promoting Tolerance and Unity

Social Justice Essay Topics

• Environmental Injustice: A Call for Sustainability
• Eradicating Hunger: Addressing Food Insecurity
• Affordable Housing: Combating Homelessness
• Access to Quality Healthcare: A Social Justice Imperative
• Reforming Prisons: Reducing Mass Incarceration
• Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Upholding Migrant Rights
• Combating Islamophobia: Promoting Religious Tolerance
• Ending Exploitation of Child Labor: Ensuring Access to Education
• Breaking Mental Health Stigma: Expanding Support Services
• Respect for the Elderly: Combating Ageism
• Safeguarding Online Spaces: Combating Cyberbullying
• Equal Pay for Fair Work: Closing the Gender Wage Gap
• Native American Rights: Preserving Indigenous Cultures
• Combating Human Trafficking: Ensuring Justice for All
• Access to Clean Water: Addressing Underserved Communities’ Needs
• Animal Rights: Advocating Ethical Treatment
• Protecting Religious Minority Rights: Eliminating Discrimination
• Prisoners’ Rights: Rehabilitation and Reintegration
• Accessible Transportation: Empowering People With Disabilities
• Ensuring Voting Rights: Expanding Electoral Participation
• LGBTQ+ Housing Equality: Eliminating Discrimination

Social Issues Essay Topics on Science

• Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Healthcare and Breakthroughs
• Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Job Market Dynamics
• Gender Equality in Science: Overcoming Stereotypes and Biases
• Combating Misinformation in Scientific Research
• Contributions of Science to Sustainable Development Goals
• Balancing Public Interest and Corporate Influence in Science and Politics
• Challenges of Science Communication in the Digital Era
• Promoting Science Education and Equity in Underprivileged Communities
• Advancements in Renewable Energy Sources
• Technological Innovations and Social Inequality
• Addressing Food Insecurity Through Agricultural Science
• Ensuring Ethical Standards in Clinical Trials and Human Experimentation
• Accessibility in Science: Inclusive Solutions for Persons With Disabilities
• Science and Social Justice: Examining Biases in Research and Outcomes
• Roles of Science in Public Health Crises, such as Pandemics
• Influence of Corporate Funding on Scientific Research
• Ethical Considerations in Animal Testing for Scientific Research
• Science and Cultural Diversity: Recognizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Breakthroughs in Mental Health Treatment and Reducing Stigma
• Ethics of Human Enhancement Technologies

Social Issues Topics About Substance Abuse & Addiction

• Combating Human Trafficking: Addressing a Global Crisis
• Overcoming Substance Dependency: The Path to Recovery
• Breaking the Cycle: Ending Child Abuse
• Addressing the Root Causes of Substance Abuse
• Empowering Survivors: Supporting Victims of Abuse
• Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships
• The Role of Education in Preventing Substance Abuse
• Exploring the Link Between Childhood Trauma and Addiction
• The Economic Burden of Substance Abuse on Society
• Challenging Gender Stereotypes in the Context of Abuse
• Effective Intervention Strategies for Combatting Substance Abuse
• Elder Abuse: Protecting the Vulnerable in Society
• Addiction as a Disease: Shifting Perspectives and Approaches
• Raising Awareness: The Importance of Public Campaigns against Abuse
• Overcoming Stigma: Supporting Individuals in Recovery
• Media Influence on Substance Abuse and Violence
• Healing through Art: The Therapeutic Potential for Survivors
• Preventing Substance Abuse in Teenagers: A Holistic Approach
• Breaking the Silence: Encouraging Reporting of Abuse Cases
• Substance Abuse in the Workplace: Impacts and Solutions
• Digital Abuse: Navigating the Dark Side of Social Media
• Tackling Substance Abuse in Prisons: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment

Technology & Privacy Social Issues Topics

• Digital Surveillance: Protecting Individual Privacy in the Digital Age
• Ethical Implications of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces
• Cyberbullying: Addressing Online Harassment and Protecting Users
• The Impact of Social Media on Privacy and Personal Relationships
• Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Innovation and Privacy Concerns
• Data Breaches and Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Personal Information
• The Right to Be Forgotten: Ensuring Digital Privacy and Data Erasure
• Online Privacy Policies: Transparency and User Consent
• Privacy vs. National Security: Striking a Balance in the Digital Era
• Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap in Access to Technology and Privacy Protection
• Online Harassment: Combating Threats and Protecting Users’ Safety
• Internet Service Providers: Preserving Net Neutrality and User Privacy
• Algorithmic Bias: Examining the Ethical Implications of Automated Systems
• Government Surveillance: Protecting Civil Liberties in the Digital World
• Internet of Things: Privacy Challenges and Security Risks
• Online Identity Theft: Preventing Fraud and Identity Misuse
• Location Tracking: Privacy Implications and Personal Safety
• Privacy in Health Tech: Balancing Benefits and Confidentiality
• Children’s Online Privacy: Safeguarding Vulnerable Users
• Privacy and Biometric Data: Ethics and Consent in Digital Identification

War & Violence Social Issues Essay Topics

• Psychological Effects of War on Veterans and Their Families
• Promoting Peace Education to Prevent Violence
• Rebuilding Societies After Civil Wars: Challenges and Opportunities
• Nonviolent Resistance Movements: Lessons From History
• War Crimes and International Criminal Justice
• The Arms Trade and its Influence on Global Conflicts
• Ethical Considerations of Drone Warfare
• Exploring the Link Between Poverty and Violence
• Peacekeeping Operations: Successes and Failures
• Protecting Children’s Rights in Times of War
• Resolving Ethnic and Religious Conflicts Through Dialogue
• Preventing Radicalization and Extremism in Post-War Societies
• Diplomacy’s Roles in Conflict Resolution
• Media Censorship in War Zones: Implications for Democracy
• Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers
• Environmental Devastation Caused by Warfare
• Addressing Domestic Violence During and After Armed Conflicts
• NGO Contributions to Peace and Reconciliation Efforts
• Exploring the Link between Economic Inequality and Violent Conflict
• Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding Torture in War
• Disrupting Education Systems in Times of War

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64 Examples of Social Issues Topics for 2024

May 21, 2024

Writing assignments asking students to engage with social justice/social issues topics target skills vitally important to success in college and beyond. They require writers to demonstrate critical, ethical, and dynamic thinking around demanding topics that present no quick and easy solution. Often, they will call for some amount of research, building textual and media literacy and awareness of the research process. In other words, these kinds of essays can be valuable in teaching students how to think and learn for themselves. But another, underappreciated learning outcome of these essays has to do with their function as communication.

This last feature can be easy to overlook in the context of writing assignments. Questions of audience, authority, and impact seem less significant when you know your teacher must read your essay. However, taking these questions seriously can not only enhance your odds of writing an excellent essay, but could also foster skills instrumental to real-world writing situations.

This article provides a list of social justice topics carefully selected to demonstrate the range and scale of available subjects. It also explains how you might approach writing about these issues with an eye for defining them and understanding the audience. Identifying a great topic that interests you enough to write about is an important early step. But what’s equally or even more important is to understand how to write about it clearly, directly, and persuasively.

How to Write a Successful Essay Grappling with Social Issues Topics

Writing about social issues topics is best improved through asking questions about purpose, context, and outcome. Why this topic and not another? Who is the audience, what do they know, and where might they stand on an issue? What are the typical ways others address the issue? What knowledge, perspective, or plan of action has been missing from that conversation? Why is this topic important to think about? Why is this essay important to read? These questions are crucial to delimiting which social justice topics to focus on and the strategy for writing about them. Answering them in the process of selecting a topic and developing a writing plan can help achieve the following components of good essays:

1) Defining the Issue

A frequent problem with student writing involves tackling questions or issues that are overly broad or vaguely defined. When selecting from social issues topics, it’s actually a smart strategy to think small. Rather than purporting to solve world peace, essays work better when drilling down into more localized and easily defined issues. This will help to communicate clearly what the issue is, convince the reader of its relevance, and successfully indicate that a short piece of writing could meaningfully contribute to the conversation around the issue.

2) Finding and Using Evidence

In many cases, essays on social issues topics will require some amount of research. When incorporating secondary evidence, it’s vital to find sources that are relevant to the topic and signal their credibility. However, even if research is not formally required, it can help toward establishing the purpose of a piece of writing within a larger discussion. Looking toward how others typically address an issue can help toward understanding whether an essay should aim to fill a gap in knowledge, supply a missing perspective, or outline actions that have not been proposed.

Successful Essay Grappling with Social Issues Topics (Cont.)

3) understanding audience.

Student essayists are not overly incentivized to think about questions of audience. However, understanding audience can help toward both defining an issue and acknowledging the purpose of writing. The most important thing to reflect on is the audience’s reason for reading a piece of writing. Why should they care about this social issue and what the essay will say about it? Understanding the reason for reading will help toward envisioning the ideal reader. Then, the essay’s language and arguments can be tailored to what that ideal reader already knows about the topic and their likely attitudes and beliefs.

4) Making an argument

This step follows the others and builds upon each. After clearly defining an issue that is appropriate in scope, an essay should clearly state its purpose or position. It should then interpret relevant evidence to support that position or fulfill its purpose. Then, it should aim to convince the audience by organizing evidence and reasoning into paragraphs structured around topic sentences that support the purpose or position. As these steps make clear, the argument is the essay. Making an argument entails justifying the act of writing itself, as well as the reader’s decision to follow the writer in focusing on an issue from a unique vantage point.

The following list of examples indicates some of the range of social issue essay topics. When considering these or other examples, writers should consider how they can foster purposive essays that understand how they are entering and changing the conversation around the issue.

Example Social Issues Topics – Tech and Labor

Artificial intelligence and digital technology.

• The environmental impact of emerging AI technologies and industries.
• Whether AI is a paradigm-shifting revolution or part of a long, gradual history of technology-assisted creative or technical work.
• The biases that exist in AI systems and data and ways of redressing them.
• The emergent use of AI tools in modern warfare.
• How a specific political movement or group of activists has embraced digital communication technologies to advance a cause.
• How digital self-publishing has affected trends and systems in the publishing industry.
• How social media algorithms promote addictive behaviors and their effect on minors.
• A surprising or disturbing effect of government and corporate digital surveillance practices.

Social Issues Topics (Continued)

Economic and labor issues.

• Causes and effects of unionization in industries connected to the gig economy.
• Disparities in wages between men and women affecting a key industry like tech.
• How changes in minimum wage policies affect other wage earners.
• The impact of globalization on labor rights and standards in the film industry.
• Comparing the outcomes of universal basic income and guaranteed minimum income as novel social welfare programs.
• How faculty and graduate student unionization movements respond to shifting labor and ideological conditions at universities.
• What geographical factors and/or trends in property ownership shape income inequality within a select area?
• Job fields under threat by automation and AI and strategic responses to the prospect of job replacement.

Example Social Issues Topics –Education and the Environment

• The effects of the COVID pandemic on textual and media literacy in children and young adults.
• How educators are responding to the challenges and opportunities of generative AI.
• Areas of learning affected by bans on “critical race theory” and LGBTQ-related topics in schools.
• How digital culture has affected the attention spans of young learners.
• The sources of increased student debt and its effects on the culture of higher education.
• The history and educational role of political protest on college campuses.
• How the end of affirmative action could affect the role colleges have played in promoting wide social mobility.
• The source of debates around “school choice” and how it is changing the face of education.

Environment and Sustainability

• Geopolitical tensions salient to the transnational effort to combat climate change.
• Protest and advocacy strategies adopted by environmental advocates and different ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Solutions for the disproportionate environmental burdens on marginalized communities.
• Whether mass consumer behavior or the practices of the economic elite are most responsible for climate crises.
• Comparing the effectiveness of political optimism and pessimism in efforts to redress climate change.
• Environmental challenges that result from destructive practices of modern warfare including ecocide.
• Global meat consumption, its contribution to climate change , and proposed solutions.
• The benefits and drawbacks of green capitalist and “de-growth” movements as radically contrasting approaches to combatting climate change.

Example Social Justice Topics – Human Rights and Geopolitics

Human rights and equality.

• How the end of Roe v. Wade has changed the political landscape around women’s reproductive rights.
• Whether cultural or legal solutions could work best to prevent violence against women.
• The alliance between feminists and political conservatives that has emerged in the clash over LGBTQ rights.
• How news media outlets have influenced widespread political efforts to curtail the rights of transgender people.
• Tensions between private corporations and governments around diversity and inclusion efforts.
• The effect of enhanced police oversight by civilians on the disproportionate use of force against minority communities.
• Barriers to housing, employment, or health services faced by people with disabilities.
• How exploitative work practices affecting minors exist despite legal efforts to curtail them.

International and Geopolitical Issues

• How migrant crises have influenced new border and immigration policies.
• How contemporary proxy wars differ from earlier methods of international conflict.
• Tensions that exist between global humanitarian aid agencies and actors in Global South countries that receive aid.
• How efforts to ensure affordable access to medicines across the world were affected by the COVID pandemic.
• How globalization has changed the world distribution of wealth inequality.
• Weighing the humanitarian costs of solar and electric energy production against those of the oil industry.
• How cultural differences around gender and sexuality influence global movements for women’s equality and LGBTQ rights.
• How authoritarian and/or religious political movements have become internationalized.

Example Social Justice Topics – The Legal System and Government

Justice and legal system.

• Restorative justice alternatives to traditional carceral approaches in the legal system.
• Efforts to eliminate cash bail and their potential effect on disparities in pretrial detention and bail practices.
• Legal challenges that new technologies have created in terms of defining or prosecuting crime.
• Methods of preventing and prosecuting police brutality and harassment.
• How the locations of prisons affect local communities and economies.
• Ways to combat mass incarceration through rethinking policing and sentencing standards.
• Academic, professional, and legal services in prisons and their effect on imprisoned populations.
• Mental health challenges present in the legal and carceral systems.

Politics and Governance

• Methods of global governance that have emerged to address transnational challenges like climate change and public health.
• Questions related to freedom of speech principles that have emerged in the digital age.
• Mutual aid efforts that address areas of public need that have been unaddressed through traditional political methods.
• How participatory media encourages broader civic engagement and government transparency.
• Political solutions for addressing the phenomena of food deserts or food apartheid.
• Responses of local governments to sharp increases in homelessness after the COVID pandemic.
• The internationalization of culture wars and political polarization around issues relating to race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.
• Philosophies about the conflict between ideals of multicultural openness and respect for cultural differences.

Final Thoughts – Social Issues Topics

The above social justice topics provide a sense of the large range of urgent issues an essay might topic. However, it’s best to reflect on how a piece of writing can define an issue so as to make clear that it is capable of doing something meaningful with it. That could entail looking for similar, more niche issues to address. Or it could mean deeper thought about an issue for which the writer anticipates they could provide missing information, perspectives, or plans of action. While many readers care about many topics, it’s vital to understand how an essay can create a tangible relationship with an ideal reader. Only then can a writer spur others to think or act in novel and potentially transformative ways.

Additional Resources

• Good Persuasive Speech Topics
• Debate Topics
• Argumentative Essay Topics
• 60 Senior Project Ideas for High Schoolers
• 101 Topics for the Science Fair 
• 100 Creative Writing Prompts 
• High School Success

Tyler Talbott

Tyler holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri and two Master of Arts degrees in English, one from the University of Maryland and another from Northwestern University. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in English at Northwestern University, where he also works as a graduate writing fellow.

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108 Social Issues Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Social issues are complex and multifaceted problems that affect individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. These issues can range from poverty and inequality to discrimination and environmental degradation. Writing an essay on a social issue can be a daunting task, but it can also be a rewarding experience that allows you to explore and analyze important topics that impact the world around you.

To help you get started, here are 108 social issues essay topic ideas and examples that you can use as inspiration for your next writing assignment:

• The impact of social media on mental health
• Income inequality and its effects on society
• Police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement
• The rise of fake news and its impact on democracy
• Gender inequality in the workplace
• Climate change and its effects on vulnerable communities
• The opioid crisis and its impact on communities
• The criminal justice system and racial disparities
• Homelessness and poverty in America
• The refugee crisis and global migration patterns
• LGBTQ+ rights and discrimination
• The rise of nationalism and its impact on global politics
• Gun control and mass shootings in America
• Environmental racism and its effects on marginalized communities
• The impact of globalization on developing countries
• Mental health stigma and access to treatment
• Cyberbullying and online harassment
• The #MeToo movement and sexual harassment in the workplace
• Access to healthcare and the rising cost of medical care
• The impact of technology on social relationships
• Food insecurity and hunger in America
• The effects of gentrification on low-income communities
• Disability rights and accessibility
• The criminalization of poverty and homelessness
• Human trafficking and modern-day slavery
• The impact of colonialism on indigenous communities
• The rise of authoritarianism and threats to democracy
• The education achievement gap and disparities in schools
• Mental health challenges facing college students
• The impact of social isolation on mental health
• The influence of religion on social norms and values
• The effects of gentrification on cultural identity
• The impact of social media on political discourse
• The role of activism in social change
• Access to clean water and sanitation in developing countries
• The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem
• The effects of income inequality on public health
• The criminalization of drug addiction and mental illness
• The impact of climate change on indigenous communities

These are just a few examples of social issues that you can explore in your essay. Remember to choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you feel strongly about. Researching and writing about social issues can be a powerful way to raise awareness and advocate for change in the world. Good luck with your essay!

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A List of 470 Powerful Social Issues Essay Topics

In modern societies, people do everything to live peacefully. Still, tensions often arise. We call them social issues when they start negatively impacting a specific group of people. Poverty, discrimination, and addiction are examples of such problems. We need to confront them to ensure equal treatment for everyone.

Our professional custom writing team created this article to help you write a social issues essay. This comprehensive social issues topics list covers various current problems in America and in the world. Choose among 450 social topics, and get down to writing!

• 🔝 Top 10 Topics

✅ How to Write About Social Issues

• 🌐 Social Media Issues Topics
• 🏥 Health-Related Issues
• 🌳 Environmental Issues
• 🔫 War & Violence
• 🚓 Police & Criminal Justice
• 👨👩 Gender-Related Issues
• 🧔🏿 Racism Topics
• ✈️ Migration & Refugees
• ⚖️ Human Rights Topics
• 🗽 Social Issues in America

🔝 Top 10 Social Issues Topics

• Types of prisoner rights violations.
• Can vaccinations be mandatory?
• What makes overpopulation a threat?
• Online education as a cause of obesity.
• The economic effect of rising sea levels.
• The effects of Gender Pay Gap on economy.
• Ways to stop racial discrimination in schools.
• Can increase of employment help reduce poverty?
• Women empowerment and social development.
• Can mobile clinics make healthcare more accessible?

Writing on topics related to social issues involves thorough research. It also requires sympathy and tact. Following this guide will help you not to step on anybody’s toes.

• Research papers call for an in-depth analysis. Make sure to reference several sources to back up your claims.
• Essays revolve around your opinion. Here, good arguments are crucial.
• Pick the topic . It can be either contemporary or historical. It’s better to choose something you’re interested in. If nothing comes to mind right away, use a writing topic generator .
• Do research . Consult encyclopedias, find books on the topic. It will help you formulate ideas and outline the first draft.
• Consider your audience . How much do they know about your subject? How invested are they? Understanding your readers will help you be more considerate.
• Even if you have strong feelings about your subject, keep your tone neutral. Make sure not to condemn those who hold opposite views.
• Highlight what you personally think is right. Remember that you can’t control how other people will react.
• Be frank. Ask yourself: who am I? How do my experiences fit into my topic? Your honest answers will add unique insights to your paper.
• Double-check your paper. Does everything you wrote logically flow? Does your argumentative structure make sense? Does it support your thesis? If possible, let your assignment sit for a day. You can edit it later with a fresh perspective.

These are the basics you need if you want to write about social issues. Now you can start your research! The first step is to pick one of the excellent topics about social problems from the list below.

🌐 Social Issues Essay Topics Related to Social Media

• Security issues of social media.
• Should Instagram be age-restricted?
• Social networks’ impact on friendships.
• Disadvantages of being an influencer.
• Is there freedom of speech in social media?
• Should social media ban fake information?
• How harmful is social media dependency?
• Should employers check employees’ accounts?
• Online ethics and business Facebook accounts.
• The effect of the cancel culture on mental health.
• Cyberbullying: victim and abuser in the online environment.
• Should children be allowed to have social media accounts?
• Your opinion on memorial pages on social networks for the deceased.
• Ways to stay safe on the internet.

• How should social media websites deal with hate speech?
• Is removing abusive content censorship?
• Explore the correlation between social media and mental disorders.
• Does Instagram change the way we perceive our lives?
• Is modern society forcing us to participate in social networking?
• What is identity theft?
• Personal isolation and technology in communication.
• The risks of microtransactions in online gaming.
• How does your digital presence influence your real life?
• Why do some people become dependent on social media ?
• Are online networks promoting stalking?
• Discuss the digital divide in Washington.
• Is Twitter’s cancel culture doing more harm than good?
• How do marginalized groups benefit from social media?
• How important is data safety?
• Are people on social media more aggressive than in real life?
• Does the internet shorten our attention span?
• Ways in which social media impacts your interactions with other people.
• Marketing, social media, and you: how do influencers impact your buying behavior?
• Explore the effect of the internet on students’ lives.
• Is Reddit right to allow outrageous content under the principle of free speech?
• Politics and Twitter: the consequences of Donald Trump’s tweets.
• Does banning online networks from the workplace increase productivity?
• What basic ethical principles go overboard on the Internet?
• In how far do social media trends reflect on the general public?
• Social media and youth: does it make puberty harder?
• The influence of social media platforms on democracy.
• What would happen if we could rate everyone online? (Think Community ’s episode “App Development and Condiments”)
• Does Instagram inspire a healthy lifestyle?
• Why are likes so important?
• Debate the effects of speaking out in online communities.
• Are Facebook’s profile picture frames a good way of showing support?
• Debate social media policies and code of conduct.
• Is YouTube spreading propaganda?
• Did you ever do something because you’ve read about it on the internet?
• Are Twitter hashtags skewing the political discourse?
• Examine the gendered experiences of people on the internet.
• How do you make yourself heard on social media?
• Evaluate the usefulness of Facebook’s Safety Check feature.
• Discuss the pros and cons of TikTok challenges.
• How does participating in Instagram challenges for social justice help?

🏥 Health-Related Social Issues Topics to Write About

Our health largely depends on the social security system. With access to good healthcare services, we are less likely to develop preventable diseases. Unfortunately, issues are common in the health sector. These interesting essay writing prompts will help you explore social problems related to health:

• Are employers not paying enough attention to their employees’ mental health ?
• What should a person do if they can’t afford medical treatment?
• Why do some countries have higher obesity rates than others?
• Should abortion be legal or illegal?
• Debate whether a ban on tobacco advertising would help decrease smoking.
• What makes Americans start doing drugs ?
• Compare projects that help people overcome their addictions.
• What is the worst substance to be addicted to?
• Who should care for the elders?
• Should hospices be free?
• Examine why HIV in seniors remains widely unrecognized.
• Should we change the drinking age limit?
• Whose health is mostly affected by pollution?
• Should parents avoid vaccinating their children?
• What does it mean to die with dignity?
• Should women get extra vacation days at work because of their periods?
• Explore the origins of the pro-life movement.
• Should non-smokers receive additional break time?
• Ways to make navigating easier for visually impaired people .
• Discuss stigma against mentally challenged individuals.
• The benefits of over-the-counter contraception.
• Must women who breastfeed in public cover themselves up?
• Psychoactive drugs in the treatment of psychological diseases.
• Disabilities and stigmatization: how does being disabled affect one’s social status?
• Does gender play an important role in one’s health?
• What health issues are affecting African Americans and Hispanics?
• Expectations and motherhood: being a childfree woman in a kid-centered society.
• How does being malnourished affect a child’s psyche in the long run?
• Investigate suicide rates in Pakistan.
• Discuss the social acceptance of autism spectrum disorders.
• Sociology and psychological diseases: the relationship between circumstance and mental health.
• Write about fad diets and their impact.
• How does the society you live in discriminate against older adults?
• Why is access to quality healthcare unevenly distributed?
• Who should decide when to stop life-prolonging treatments?
• Is homeopathic treatment for children acceptable?
• Describe why going to psychotherapy is widely stigmatized.
• What are the social determinants of health?
• Why is access to healthcare in rural areas so scarce?
• Is the propagation of mindfulness and self-care on social media improving our health?

• Examine the connection between poverty and health problems.
• Where does our society’s general obsession with weight come from?
• Do cultural norms promote drinking alcohol to an unhealthy extent?
• Is coffee a drug?
• How does the depiction of drug use in the media influence the youth?

🌳 Environmental Social Issues Essay Topics

Environmentalism is not just about saving nature. A damaged environment has adverse effects on humanity and its future. Changing weather and frequent natural disasters affect millions of people. Many are forced to flee their homes. Essays on this subject can cover activism or sustainability.

• Is Extinction Rebellion’s form of protest too radical?
• What to avoid when traveling in the age of climate change.
• How can we ensure global access to drinking water ?
• The impact of bottled water on the environment.
• Water conservation methods in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The influence of tourism on cultural heritage sites.
• How does society need to change in the future to slow down climate change?
• What caused the rise in climate activism in recent years?
• Innovation vs. tradition: getting traditional farmers to implement new sustainable technology.
• Describe the importance of waste reduction for our ecosystems.
• How can we use our natural resources responsibly?
• Discuss what a sustainable diet is like.
• The role of packaging in marketing, food safety, and environment.
• Why do people deny human-made climate change?
• Why should sociologists study the environment?
• What made us reliant on single-use plastic products?
• Discuss green infrastructure in water management.
• Debate how Greenpeace influences political decision making.
• In your opinion, what’s the best environmental organization to donate to?
• How successful is PETA in helping animals?
• Should mandatory volunteer work substitute compulsory military service?
• Urban gardening as a means to ensure food security.
• The effect of self-driving electric vehicles on urban environments.
• Compare types of sustainable futuristic cities in literature.
• How does global warming impact indigenous peoples in South America?
• What effects does a deteriorating environment have on labor conditions?
• Explain what Oxfam does.
• How does globalization impact sustainable agriculture?
• What are the most significant achievements of environmental activists in recent years?
• What makes politicians hesitant to take action against climate change?
• Investigate what happened to the population of Isle de Jean Charles.
• Climate refugees: examine the disasters that cause people to flee their homes.
• What are the unintentional consequences of climate-related relocation projects?
• Explore the connection between nature and religion.
• Ecology and economics: ways to find a balance.
• Communities and health: how the way we handle the environment impacts the spread of disease.
• Investigate methods for responsible consumption.
• Why is sustainable development important for societies?

• Contrast the methods of various environmentalist movements.
• The world’s overpopulation: causes and effects.
• Why can it be difficult to convince older generations to take action against climate change ?
• What are the best things everyone can do to protect the environment?
• The role of zoos in wildlife endangerment.
• How do changing weather patterns impact our homes?
• What caused the increase in natural disasters over the last decade?

🔫 Social Issues Topics: War & Violence

Scientists still debate if violence is a part of human nature. Wars and terrorist attacks are disastrous events that traumatize millions of people. Still, it’s crucial not to forget about more subtle forms of violence. These include emotional neglect, bullying, and brutality in medical care.

• What are the main reasons for nations to wage war?
• Mental disorders and vulnerability to homicidal death.
• The restoration of Germany after the Second World War.
• Domestic violence in 20th century Canada.
• Describe the most common types of violence against teenagers.
• How does a country’s political situation impact domestic violence?
• Do splatter movies promote violent behavior?
• Should girls dress modestly to avoid being abused?
• What is the use of war monuments?
• The issue of girl education in India.
• How does war influence the development of children?
• Analyze the accuracy of the events depicted in Sam Mendes’ film 1917 .
• Everything Quiet on the Western Front and the youth’s attitude towards fighting.
• The treatment of veterans in your community.
• Why do people join the army?
• Connection between school bullying and problems in adult life.
• What are the most common reasons for murder ?
• How can a family move on after their child has been kidnapped?
• Why are veterans more likely to commit suicide than average citizens?
• Is human trafficking modern-day slavery?
• Investigate how citizens of Cape Town deal with the high crime rate in their city.
• What events can lead to an increase in crime?
• Explain the socio-economic aftermaths of the Afghanistan war.
• Examine the success of Columbia’s DESEPAZ program.
• What is the origin of domestic violence?
• Do schools in your country work effectively to discourage abusive behavior towards girls?
• Why do men tend not to report domestic violence?
• How does emotional neglect impact children?
• What are the best ways to prevent street violence?
• Is there a connection between the strictness of gun laws and homicide rates?
• Why do women hesitate to report rape cases?
• Rape and sexual harassment in the military.
• An overview of Japanese mafia culture.
• The connection between education and violence.
• Who profits from war?
• Are the US military expenses justified?
• What does the “guns vs. butter” model describe?
• Give examples of cultural norms justifying violence.
• In how far has globalization impacted violent behavior ?
• What triggers aggression against healthcare workers?
• Ways to manage verbal abuse in social care.
• Examine the Chinese phenomenon of Yi Nao.
• Investigate the recent decriminalization of domestic abuse in Russia.
• What was the impact of the #metoo movement?
• Bullying and sexual harassment at workplace.

🚓 Police & Criminal Justice Topics to Write About

Everyone should feel safe in their community. That’s what a country’s criminal justice system is for. But humans can make mistakes and be biased. Not everyone feels protected by the current system. What can we do to change that? Explore this question in one of the following creative topics:

• What does the phrase “defund the police” mean?
• What makes you feel safe in your community?
• Describe the social standing of police officers in your country.
• Examine if there’s evidence of structural racism in the police.
• Is it possible to achieve true equality ?
• Are all professions in criminal justice equally prestigious?
• Discuss the concept of juvenile crimes.
• Debate castration as a punishment for sexual offenders.
• The influence of the internet on human trafficking.
• What could the police be substituted with?
• How does racial profiling work?
• Should people who abuse drugs go to jail?
• How do people become homeless in big cities?
• Discuss the legitimization of prostitution.
• What causes governments to oppose gay marriage ?
• The safest ways to deescalate riots.
• What are the best methods to discourage people from committing crimes ?
• Define civil disobedience and its goals.
• Victimology and traditional justice system alternatives.
• What makes white-collar crimes more socially acceptable than others?
• Reintroducing prisoners to society: obstacles and consequences.
• Would society profit from the abolition of prisons?
• What are the advantages of community services?

• How does crime differ in various social classes?
• Justice for women: the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
• How do prejudices influence criminal justice mechanics?
• Human services issues from the point of income inequality.
• Why was the Hong Kong national security law installed?
• How did legalizing all drugs affect Portuguese society?
• What are the prominent civil rights issues in your country?
• The Captain of Köpenick : the psychological effect of uniforms.
• Why was racial segregation widely accepted in America?
• How do witness protection programs work?
• The right to privacy vs. safety: a case for surveillance cameras.
• How can one save their reputation after committing a crime?
• Compare the four deviance theories in sociology .
• To what extent can biology explain criminal behavior?
• Do police officers need guns?
• Should law enforcers need to request permission before using firearms ?
• How did dismantling the police department in Camden, NJ impact crime?
• Explore the connection between militarization and police violence.
• What does the principle of qualified immunity entail?
• Debate the use of body cameras by police officers.
• Police violence and subterfuge.
• What are the social benefits of jury duty?

👨👩 Gender-Related Social Issues Essay Topics

Even today, a lot of people are systematically disadvantaged because of their gender. This problem manifests itself not only in the infamous gender pay gap. For example, in the US, transgender people are banned from serving in the army. And in some countries, women are still denied fundamental rights. If you want to get to the heart of contemporary controversial issues, this section is for you.

• Why is the number of women in positions of power still low?
• Are quotas the only way to guarantee equal hiring processes?
• Pros and cons of unisex bathrooms.
• Why are matriarchal societies rare?
• Describe how the patriarchy holds back women.
• Conflicting theories: gay marriage and feminism.
• Does feminism need to be radical?
• How does gendered marketing affect child development?
• Should insurance companies pay for sex reassignment therapy?
• Reasons why some people have problems with they/them pronouns.
• What does it mean to be non-binary?
• Investigate the treatment of women in Saudi Arabian society.
• What makes a profession traditionally female?
• Should women be more encouraged to join the military?
• Why is it more challenging for men to get full custody?
• Find historical examples of women who made a change in their society.
• Should professors be required to include more women authors in their reading material?
• Examine the treatment of the transgender community in healthcare.
• Is gender a purely social construct?
• What can a woman do to become more empowered ?
• Can a patriarchal society ever achieve true gender equality ?
• Are Disney princesses good role models?
• Examine the representation of gender variety in popular TV shows.
• Gender identity: promotion of equality for sexual orientation.
• Discuss the connection between gender-biased language and oppression.
• Why are sexist marketing practices still legal?
• Should girls capitalize on their attractive looks?
• Define the term “gender blindness.”
• Do school uniforms promote gender inequality?
• Bibiana Steinhaus: a female referee.
• Discuss how the battle of the sexes impacted society.
• Should men be entitled to more extended paternity leave?
• Can religion ensure equality?
• How do stereotypes against women decrease their chances of getting hired?
• Why do millions of women still have to choose between having a family or a career?
• Explain the gender dynamics in development.
• Should men and women play and compete in mixed sports teams?
• What do beauty pageants teach girls?
• Debate the importance of LGBT studies.
• What causes gender dysphoria?
• Do blockbuster films have the responsibility to advocate for equality?
• Does society need gender roles to function properly?
• What makes same-sex marriage a controversial topic in many countries?
• Examine adoption laws for gay couples.
• Compare gender-based violence in the UK vs. Iran.

🧔🏿 Social Topics for Essays on Racism

Slavery is abolished everywhere in the world. Still, it didn’t put an end to racism. There’s a lot of racial bias fueled by insecurity and ignorance. Because of this, ethnic minorities rarely enjoy equal opportunities. An essay on racism can raise awareness of the problem by shedding light on racial injustice.

• How has racism changed over the past hundred years?
• Queer of color: history and theory.
• Who were the Khmer Rouge ?
• Trace the development of anti-discrimination laws in your country.
• What caused populist groups to gain popularity in recent years?
• Did Donald Trump’s presidency increase racism towards Latin Americans?
• What socio-economic issues do African American families face?
• Is there a connection between racism and social progress?
• Would there be no racism without colonialism?
• Discuss subtle forms of everyday racism.
• Should women in teaching positions be allowed to wear hijabs ?
• Nelson Mandela and the fight against apartheid .
• What makes people scared of minorities?
• Who benefits from structural racism?
• Find out how racism manifests itself in your native language.
• Compare the types of social segmentation.
• Is the use of the n-word in hip hop empowering?
• How did imperialism impact Okonkwo’s life in Things Fall Apart ?
• In which areas of life are black Americans institutionally disadvantaged?
• Is it appropriate for white people to wear hoop earrings?
• The best ways to educate children about race.
• How does cultural appropriation become harmful?
• Racial prejudice in the movie industry.

• Your position on companies renaming well-known brands to avoid claims of racism.
• Discuss the problem of racism at institutional and interactional levels.
• Will racism ever end?
• Is “All lives matter” a racist statement?
• How does environmental racism affect the living conditions of minorities?
• Investigate the historical persecution of the Romani people.
• What makes people racist nowadays?
• The internet’s contribution to alleviating racism.
• Cultivation of racism in the American society.
• How much of a problem is reverse discrimination?
• Trace the history of lynching and mob violence against blacks in the American South.
• Who was Leo Frank?
• How does discrimination differ in rich vs. developing countries?
• Racism as a barrier to educational opportunities.
• Does social media help fight racist bias?
• How to responsibly handle classic movies and literature with racial prejudices.
• What constitutes a healthy national identity?
• How does modern television portray minorities?
• Does your country’s healthcare system disadvantage minorities?
• Investigate what happens to the Rohingya people in Malaysia.
• Is antisemitism still a problem in your country?
• Does nationalism always lead to racism?

✈️ Social Awareness Topics on Migration & Refugees

Migration can have a beneficial effect on a host country’s economy. For instance, migrants can provide vital additional workforce. But an overflow of newcomers can also lead to problems. Most notably, it affects a nations’ cultural and social landscapes. “How should we deal with refugees?” is one of the most challenging political questions today.

• How has migration changed over the past 20 years?
• Mexican immigration as a political controversy.
• Why do migrants from the Middle East face more prejudice than those from Central Europe?
• Describe the types of events that can cause major forced displacement .
• How should governments plan for migration?
• Why do many people in Europe have a negative attitude towards refugees?
• Why are foreign workers important to every nation’s economy?
• Effective ways to integrate displaced people.
• Critique Arizona’s new immigration laws.
• Have refugee camps ever been a solution to the problem?
• What drives people to immigrate illegally ?
• Should the US’ sanctuary cities be dissolved?
• Describe the notion of ecological migration.
• Should Europe take in more refugees?
• Compare resettlement models in Canada vs. Australia.
• What’s the difference between expats and migrants?
• What factors make illegal immigration undesirable?
• Has the public perception of migrants changed over the past years?
• How important is it that immigrants speak their host country’s language?
• What does social integration ideally consist of?
• Discuss Chinese settlement patterns in America.
• The advantages of dropping visa restrictions.
• How did 9/11 affect the public’s perception of the global movement?
• Is it morally right to marry someone just for their passport?
• Do illegal immigrants negatively impact their host country’s society?
• Does migration cause destabilization?
• What does the claim “no one is illegal” advocate?
• How does the American green card lottery work?
• Should a child born in a foreign country automatically receive citizenship?
• American society wouldn’t exist without immigration. Why is it still so hostile towards foreigners?
• Explore the link between global movement and the spread of diseases.
• Should the government use taxpayer money to upskill refugees?
• Immigrants in Toronto: social and economic challenges.
• Can expats from a distinct cultural background ever integrate into a country that doesn’t share their norms?
• Discuss the importance of diversity to society.
• Is there a connection between immigration rates and crime?
• Should expats be eligible for welfare programs?
• Where’s the line between cultural appropriation and integration?
• Can binational relationships work?
• How do you become a stateless person?
• What rights do asylum seekers have in your country?
• Is immigration from developing countries a threat to wealthier nations?
• Explore moral panics associated with other ethnicities.
• What makes Europe attractive to expats?
• Describe the common prejudices refugees have to face in Australia.

⚖️ Social Justice Essay Topics on Human Rights

You probably agree that every human deserves access to fundamental rights. Unfortunately, these are continually under threat. And it doesn’t always happen far away from you. Women, the LGBT community, and many others fight for their rights every single day.

• Are limitations of human rights during crises justified?
• Should we strive to achieve the same rights globally?
• Is male circumcision shortly after birth a violation of human rights?
• How do you prevent low-income families from sending their children to work?
• Capital punishment vs. the right to live.
• Can dictatorships ensure human rights?

• Is using sensitive language incriminating our freedom of speech?
• Describe the achievements of Amnesty International.
• Should Europe stop business interactions with countries that violate human rights ?
• Examine effective ways to combat food shortages in the Global South.
• How can governments secure freedom of speech ?
• Should access to the internet be included as a fundamental human right?
• Are restrictive laws concerning hijabs violating religious freedom?
• Charlie Hebdo and its Muhammad cartoons: did they go too far?
• When does satire become harmful?
• Examine how human rights are treated in the pornography industry.
• Why are LGBT people around the world not granted the same rights as everyone else?
• Balancing labor conditions and demand: human rights in the economy.
• Who protects stateless persons?
• What has changed since the first declaration of human rights?
• How was slavery justified back in the day?
• Why do women in many countries still not have the same rights as men?
• The Handmaid’s Tale : how is the society in Gilead structured?
• Discuss how vital the rights to freedom of thought and expression are.
• To which rights should prisoners have access to?
• Debate the fairness of the utilitarian approach.
• How do NGOs help to ensure human rights in Somalia?
• Human rights and the Bible : how does the church get away with violations?
• Define different perspectives on what constitutes freedom .
• What are the most significant human rights issues today?
• Ethics and the media: exploiting personal tragedies for attention.
• Prisoners are humans, too: rights violations in Guantanamo.
• Is combating climate change a human rights issue?
• Are cruel traditions such as honor killings justified if they are socially accepted?
• How successful is the European Commission of Human Rights?
• Is the death penalty a justified measure nowadays?
• Should pets have the same rights as humans?
• Define the difference between civil and human rights.
• If there’s gay pride, why shouldn’t there be straight pride?
• Unequal privilege: legal, religious, and social factors.
• What would happen if education were free and accessible to everyone?
• State terrorism vs. critical terrorism.
• Did globalization make us freer?
• Is the wellbeing of the majority more important than the wellbeing of a minority?
• When, if ever, should men and women have different rights?

🗽 Current Social Issues Topics in America

With its variety of races and cultures, America faces many social issues. Its deeply divided political parties add more fuel to the fire. African American rights and police brutality are some of the most pressing issues in the US today.

• Consequences of fortifying the American-Mexican border wall.
• Should illegal immigrants always be deported when found?
• Is the democratic system in the US in need of reform?
• What are the social causes of obesity in the USA?
• Negative side effects of the war on drugs.
• How important is bipartisan cooperation?
• What difference does it make if Russia meddled in the 2016 elections?
• Police brutality: reasons and countermeasures.
• Discuss the importance of reducing medical costs.
• Racism and the police: is it an institutional problem?
• What are the strictest cultural taboos in American society?
• Are there enough women in American leadership positions?
• Is sexism a significant problem in the States?
• Describe the consequences of voter fraud.
• Should schools teach students to be more patriotic?
• Discuss prescription drug abuse in America.
• College student debt: is it a fair price to pay for a good education?
• Will police presence in schools help curb violence?
• What drugs should be legalized vs. remain illegal?
• Debate the quality of political education in your state.
• Is fake news a severe problem?
• Financial literacy as a compulsory subject in high school.
• How do you destigmatize taboo topics in society?
• Why do conversations about periods make people feel uncomfortable?
• Social causes of eating disorders in adults.
• Discuss how various religions can live together peacefully.
• Describe the NIMBY phenomenon.
• What are the benefits and limitations of needle exchange programs?
• Find reasons why peaceful protests turn into violent riots.
• Are students in the US nowadays under too much stress ?
• What are the harmful effects of urban sprawl?
• Can your vote make a difference?
• Do American schools need to offer better sex education classes?
• What makes people believe the Earth is flat?
• Why do conspiracy theories spread so quickly nowadays?
• Traffic in California: reasons to invest in public transport.
• Are charter schools better than public schools?
• Compare the most prominent social movements currently active in America.
• The legacy of Occupy Wall Street.
• Describe the pros and cons of the Green New Deal.
• How successful is special education in the US?
• What causes gentrification in American cities?
• Is immigration a strain on the American job market?
• Tackle the problem of prison overcrowding.
• Investigate the effects of ableism in the States.

That’s all we’ve got for you. We hope this article was helpful. Good luck with your essay writing!

You might also be interested in:

• 512 Research Topics on HumSS (Humanities & Social Sciences)
• 147 Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project
• 480 Sociology Questions & Topics with Bonus Tips
• 560 Unique Controversial Topics & Tips for a Great Essay
• 193 Interesting Proposal Essay Topics and Ideas
• 197 Motivational & Inspirational Essay Topics
• 165 Bullying Research Topics: Qualitative & Quantitative 

🔍 References

• Lifestyles & Social Issues: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Controversial/Contemporary Issues: How to Write a Research Paper: Campbell University
• 3 Insights Into Writing about Social Issues: Jane Friedman
• Key Issues: eSafety Commissioner
• Top 10 Most Common Health Issues: University of Rochester Medical Center
• Top 10 Most Important Environmental Issues: Iberdrola.com
• War: Social Problems: University of Minnesota
• Violence: a Global Public Health Problem: WHO
• What Are the Biggest Problems Women Face Today?: Politico Magazine
• Issues: National Center for Transgender Equality
• List of Issues about Racism: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Potential implications of Increasing Significance of Migration: EU
• The Biggest Issues Facing Migrants Today — and What We Can Do to Solve Them: World Economic Forum
• How Americans See Major National Issues: Pew Research Center
• Social Issues and Human Rights: United Nations Environment
• Crime & Criminal Justice: Brookings
• Social Problems: Oxford Academic Press
• Criminal Justice: ProPublica
• Structural Racism in America: Urban Institute
• Racism and Health: American Public Health Association
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25 Contemporary Issues

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

Contemporary issues refer to social issues that are prominent in today’s point in world history. They often point to points of friction in society or pressing concerns that are or may affect the daily life of millions of people.

They can include issues that are social (such as inequality), environmental (such as climate change), economic (such as loss of jobs), technological (such as the rise of AI), and so on.

They often impact upon cultural identities (such as the rise of globalization) and a nation’s politics (such as the rise of nationalism).

All issues arise as a result of the specific contextual and historical factors that come into play at this particular moment in time.

Below are a range of key examples.

Contemporary Issues

1. artificial intelligence.

When OpenAI released ChatGPT, the internet changed forever. This was the first generative AI program that seemed like it had general intelligence – it could answer any question under the sun!

Of course, early iterations, such as GPT3 and GPT3.5 often gave false answers, often called “AI halucinations”. But as each new version comes out, GPT and competitors such as Google Bard have gotten smarter and smarter, making less and less errors.

In fact, GPT-4 passed the bar exam – it could qualify as a lawyer!

AI chat software has caused shockwaves around the world, with new software emerging that uses the GPT API to perform a range of tasks, such as AI voice generation and AI article writing.

And it really blew up, fast, with the fastest growth of users of any software – ever! Here’s its usage in the first six months, peaking at 1.8 billion visits in its 4th month:

And this has caused some serious problems – especially for education. How are teachers supposed to set take-home essays when there are now one-click AI essays?

2. Climate Change

If there’s one dramatic way of demonstrating the importance of addressing climate change, it’s the climate clock . This clock demonstrates how little time we have left to do something about climate change.

We’ve already missed a lot of targets, with goals now being set to minimize rather than avoid the negative impacts of human-induced climate change.

This contemporary issue is generally tied-in with policy debates about how aggressively we should decarbonize our industries, how much we should rely on technology (as opposed to policy levers), and whose responsibility it is to take action on a geopolitical level.

As we can see here, average global temperatures per year are on a steady rise:

3. Political Polarization

Many societies have become increasingly politically polarized, thanks in large part to social media and the rising popularity of partisan and conspiratorial new media.

Social media platforms have been a large culprit for group polarization (Prior, 2013). It has meant that people can pick-and-choose their media diet rather than consuming shared media across a culture. This has some benefits – such as preventing censorship – but has arguably had far worse downsides. It has allowed conspiracies to spread and led people into making strawmen out of their political opponents rather than engaging with and listening to their points of view.

For more on social media effects, see: social media pros and cons

4. Wealth Inequality

Wealth inequality has increased dramatically since the 1970s in advanced western nations, to the point where we could use it to explain some (not all) of today’s political polarization.

Most scholars blame neoliberalism , a political philosophy that involves removal of government interventions, low taxes, and hyper-capitalism.

But, there is also an argument to be made that neoliberalism has created greater overall wealth, explained by the metaphor of “the rising tide rises all boats.”

Below is a graph of wealth distribution in the USA in 2016 (the newest data I could find), which shows that 39% of wealth is in the hands of the top 1%, while the bottom 90% have just 23% of wealth.

5. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

People are increasingly concerned about who’s viewing and collecting their data online. This has led, for example, to browsers like Firefox and Safari phasing out 3rd party cookies.

Data breaches often make the news, such as the famous Mailchimp data breach in early 2023.

The sheer number of data breaches these days calls for innovative protective measures, provided by both the tech industry and public policy , to address the escalating level of sophisticated threats.

6. Racial and Social Injustice

Racial and social injustice refers to the systematic bias, discrimination, and prejudice that an individual or a group faces based on their race, ethnicity, and social status.

In 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement rippled across continents, following the tragic fate of George Floyd. Reiterating the urgency to dismantle systemic racism , these events demonstrate the need to address this ongoing issue (Banaji, Fiske, & Massey, 2021).

Laws such as the Civil Rights Act in America have constituted significant steps towards the eradication of racial discrimination. Even so, law enforcement and the justice system continue to grapple with instances of racial bias, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, lasting reform.

7. Mental Health

Mental health relates to one’s psychological well-being, emotional resilience, and the ability to function within societal norms and expectations.

Mental health is a silent pandemic. As per data from the World Health Organization, around 264 million people globally suffer from depression, with other disorders such as anxiety adding to these numbers year by year. Modernity’s relentless pace, coupled with the recent pandemic, have exacerbated these figures.

Hope looms on the horizon. Initiatives such as “Time to Talk Day” and “Mental Health Awareness Week” have emerged globally, aiming to fight stigma and promote open dialogue. Schools, workplaces, and even governments are now acknowledging the importance of mental health and are implementing measures to support those who need it.

8. Migration and Displacement

Migration and displacement refers to the mass movement of people, often driven by circumstances such as conflict, natural disasters, or socioeconomic conditions.

Global displacement has hit record levels, with UNHCR reporting in 2020 that nearly 80 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide.

The refugee crisis, primarily sparked by wars and civil unrest, has been a contentious issue politically and socially. From legal policies governing asylum seekers to the socio-economic impact on receiving nations, the discourse is under constant scrutiny.

9. The Nuclear Power Debate

The nuclear power debate is a prolonging dispute about the use of atomic energy to produce electricity.

On one side, proponents praise nuclear power’s low-carbon output and ability to provide steady energy supply. Yet, the opposition directs attention to the inherent dangers of nuclear reactors, risks of nuclear proliferation, and the challenge of managing radioactive waste.

This is a vexed issue, because it could help us to make gains in the fight against climate change, but the trade-off is a potential nuclear disaster, especially if a nuclear powerplant is in the middle of a warzone (Wheatley, Sovacool & Sornette, 2016), as has occurred in the Russian unjustified and immoral aggression and war crimes against Ukraine.

10. Sustainable Development

Sustainable development can be defined as the principle of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

Sustainable development covers a broad spectrum of issues, from the use of renewable resources to the enforcement of corporate social responsibility (Nastasi et al., 2020).

The international agenda for sustainable development is largely guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which highlight diverse areas, such as zero hunger and affordable and clean energy. Yet, while the vision is clear, the journey towards achieving these targets remains fraught with challenges, including economic, social, and political resistance.

11. Healthcare Accessibility

Healthcare accessibility concerns the ease with which individuals can avail necessary medical services, regardless of financial, geographical, or socio-cultural boundaries.

The issue of healthcare accessibility is complex and multi-faceted.

In the United States, for example, healthcare costs can be prohibitive, often leading to medical debt and bankruptcy. In other countries, such as the UK, there may be healthcare that is free at the point at service, but ensuring the healthcare is timely and high-quality remains a struggle .

Furthermore, regardless of the method for delivery of healthcare, concerns about accessibility often still remain, particularly for marginalized communities and regions with limited medical infrastructure.

12. Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

Gender equality refers to the state where access to rights, responsibilities, and opportunities is unaffected by gender.

Historically, societies have been marked with clear gender disparities, from educational opportunities to wage gaps, that are often symptoms of patriarchy . Women’s rights movements such as feminism have fought to counter these, resulting in significant strides towards gender parity.

Nonetheless, discrimination and disparity persist, and the fight for equal rights continues. Glass ceilings still remain in many sectors, harassment is a grim reality for many, and harmful gender stereotypes are often rooted in cultural ideologies.

13. Fake News and Misinformation

Fake news and misinformation refer to falsehoods or distortions of truth deliberately disseminated, often to serve a particular ideological or political agenda .

The proliferation of social media has amplified the spread of fake news, with instances of misinformation often causing societal unrest and complications for public health.

Addressing fake news requires the collective effort of individuals, institutions , and even governments. Fact-checking, media literacy , digital literacy , and responsible information dissemination are key countermeasures that can help combat this contemporary issue.

14. Wildfires

Recent wildfires in California, Canada, and Australia have been some of the worst in recorded history. Some argue that these are early signs of the climate change catastrophe.

This contemporary issue has a range of sub-issues, such as problems with some areas becoming uninsurable, meaning house and contents insurance companies no longer cover them due to the high risk profile. Another issue is the need to mitigate the numbers of fires by working on reducing the effects of climate change. Finally, control burns are often a hot topic, where control burns in winter can create fire blocks to prevent the spread of fires, but at the same time, this causes some man-made habitat loss.

15. Renewable Energy Transition

The renewable energy transition refers to the global shift from reliance on fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable sources of power, including wind, solar, and hydro energy.

This is a pressing issue. As governments around the world begin to realize the irreversible damage caused by fossil fuels, renewable energy becomes an increasingly appealing option. However, transitioning to renewable energy is no cakewalk—it involves overcoming both infrastructural and economic challenges.

The reward, however, could be tremendous. Not only would transitioning to renewable energy dramatically reduce our carbon footprint , it could also generate substantial economic benefits in the form of sustainable jobs and industries (Blyth et al., 2014).

16. Aging Populations

The term “aging populations” pertains to the demographic shift toward a higher average age in a country’s population, often caused by a combination of increased life expectancy and reduced fertility rates.

Soon, you will witness several developed countries, such as Japan and Italy, facing a demographic crisis. The issue resides not merely in the aging itself, but the fallout—we’re talking rising healthcare costs, labor market pressures, and the threat of economic stagnation.

From ramping up healthcare services to encouraging childbirth or immigration, nations have been strategizing to mitigate this looming demographic challenge. However, given the scale of the issue, the jury’s still out on which policies will prove most effective.

17. Vaccination Mandates

Vaccination mandates are government directives requiring individuals to receive certain vaccines, or to provide proof of vaccination, often as a condition for participating in specific activities or accessing certain locations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust this issue into the limelight as countries grapple with the trade-offs between public health , individual freedom, and economic activity.

The effectiveness of mandates in improving vaccination rates is clear. However, they have also proven divisive and have sparked heated debates around medical privacy, personal autonomy , and equality , given disparate access to vaccines globally.

It’s an issue that encapsulates our ongoing struggle to balance individual liberties with collective wellbeing, and is likely best addressed through better education and trust of the medical institutions – something that has been dramatically undermined by fake news, another key issue explored in this article!

18. Space Exploration and Colonization

Space exploration and colonization involves investigating other planets and celestial bodies, with the long-term aim of potentially establishing human settlements beyond Earth.

The advancements brought by private space enterprises have reinvigorated the space race. However, beyond the exhilaration of entering the final frontier, there are serious concerns to consider.

The challenges are significant. From advanced life support systems to addressing the psychological impact of isolation, a multitude of obstacles impede the realization of extraterrestrial settlements.

19. Internet Censorship and Freedom of Speech

Internet censorship and freedom of speech examine whether — and to what extent — authorities and other entities should be permitted to control or suppress what people can access, publish, or view on the internet.

Government censorship of digital content is another vexxed issue of our times: sometimes it could be arguably justified as a measure against misinformation or hate speech; but at other times, we could argue that it would infringe upon people’s free speech rights .

The juxtaposition of unrestricted speech and sensible content moderation continues to be a contentious issue online, driving debates about legislation, platform responsibility, and user behavior.

20. Globalization vs. Nationalism

The trends of globalization and nationalism represent an international dilemma: the ideological conflict between free trade and multiculturalism on one hand, and national sovereignty with protectionist tendencies on the other.

Globalization has resulted in an interconnected world where goods, services, and ideas flow freely across borders. However, as a backlash, nationalism has surged, often resulting in anti-immigrant sentiment and trade protectionism.

These intertwined phenomena shape the current world order, leading many to consider how to balance the benefits of economic interdependence with preserving national identity and autonomy.

21. Democracy vs Authoritarianism

Democracy and authoritarianism are two different models of governance, rooted in contrasting principles of political power distribution and citizen participation.

Democracy, founded on the premise of citizen participation and equal representation, seems to be challenged today in various regions around the globe.

Emerging authoritarian regimes, often under the guise of populist movements, pose significant threats to democratic institutions, especially (for example) in Turkey (Arat & Pamuk, 2019).

The struggle for democracy against authoritarian inclinations ensures a turbulent international political climate.

22. Overfishing and Ocean Health

Overfishing is the practice of capturing fish from a body of water at a rate that’s too high, leading to a depletion of the fish population. This practice is a direct threat to ocean health.

Overfishing is pushing many fish species to the brink of extinction. The Bluefin Tuna, for example, is critically endangered due to excessive fishing practices (Porch et al., 2019).

Marine reserves and sustainable fishing practices have been proposed as measures to counter overfishing’s devastating impact. Yet, creating a sustainable fishing industry requires a global commitment—well beyond individual or regional actions.

23. Indigenous Rights and Land Disputes

Indigenous rights and land disputes surround the legal, social, and economic issues that indigenous people encounter as they seek to claim, protect, and manage their traditional lands.

This is a particularly prominent issue in Canada and Australia, where courts have mandated the return of land to indigenous peoples (Porter & Barry, 2016)

Land is not merely a source of livelihood for indigenous communities. It constitutes the foundation of their cultural identity .

Land dispossession for commercial activities like mining and agriculture continues to plague indigenous communities worldwide. On a more optimistic note, concerted efforts by indigenous activists and allies have led to crucial victories in courts, affirming indigenous land rights and, by extension, their right to self-determination.

24. Economic Inflation

Economic inflation refers to the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, eroding purchasing power.

Consider the United States, where recent inflation rates have sparked concern in the post-pandemic period:

Higher cost of living, spikes in mortgages with variable interest rates, and stagnant wages put a substantial strain on the economy and everyday people’s pocket books.

Central banks typically counteract high inflation through higher interest rates, though this has its own risks. And thus, the battle against inflation forms a central element of economic policy-making worldwide.

25. Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Pandemic preparedness and response refers to the actions taken to plan for, prevent, respond to, and recover from pandemics.

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the inadequacies in global health security arrangements, highlighting the paramount importance of robust pandemic preparedness systems (Godshall & Banach, 2021).

Strengthening global surveillance measures, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution, increasing investment in health infrastructures, developing robust containment strategies—these are just a few of the things we could do better next time. Worldwide collaborations and accountability in handling future public health crises could be the key to mitigating their impact.

Awareness of contemporary issues can help us to better understand our social and cultural contexts, empathize with others, and make more informed decisions – such as when knowledge of racial inequality affects governmental policies.

Arat, Y., & Pamuk, Ş. (2019).  Turkey between democracy and authoritarianism . Cambridge University Press.

Banaji, M. R., Fiske, S. T., & Massey, D. S. (2021). Systemic racism: individuals and interactions, institutions and society.  Cognitive research: principles and implications ,  6 , 1-21. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-021-00349-3

Blyth, W., Gross, R., Speirs, J., Sorrell, S., Nicholls, J., Dorgan, A., & Hughes, N. (2014). Low carbon jobs: The evidence for net job creation from policy support for energy efficiency and renewable energy.  London: UK Energy Research Centre ,  31 .

Godshall, C. E., & Banach, D. B. (2021). Pandemic preparedness.  Infectious Disease Clinics ,  35 (4), 1077-1089. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idc.2021.07.008

Nastasi, B., Markovska, N., Puksec, T., Duić, N., & Foley, A. (2022). Renewable and sustainable energy challenges to face for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.  Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews ,  157 , 112071.

Porch, C. E., Bonhommeau, S., Diaz, G. A., Arrizabalaga, H., & Melvin, G. (2019). The journey from overfishing to sustainability for Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus.  The future of bluefin tunas: ecology, fisheries management, and conservation , 3-44.

Porter, L., & Barry, J. (2016).  Planning for coexistence?: Recognizing Indigenous rights through land-use planning in Canada and Australia . Routledge.

Prior, M. (2013). Media and political polarization.  Annual Review of Political Science ,  16 , 101-127.

Wheatley, S., Sovacool, B. K., & Sornette, D. (2016). Reassessing the safety of nuclear power.  Energy Research & Social Science ,  15 , 96-100.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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Top 20 Current Global Issues We Must Address

What are the most pressing issues in the world today? What will demand the most attention in the next 5, 10, and 20+ years? In this article, which frequently refers to the World Economic Forum’s 17th Edition of the Global Risks Report, we’ll highlight 20 current global issues we must address, including issues related to climate change, COVID-19, social rights, and more. While it’s hardly a comprehensive discussion, it’s a solid introduction to the kinds of concerns facing our world today.

#1. Poverty

In fall 2022, the World Bank will update the International Poverty Line from $1.90 to $2.15. This means anyone living on less than $2.15 is in “extreme poverty.” Why the change? Increases in the costs of food, clothing, and shelter between 2011-2017 make the “real value of $2.15 in 2017 prices equal to $1.90 in 2011 prices. As for the World Bank’s goal to reduce extreme poverty to 3% or less by 2030, the pandemic has made it even harder. Extreme poverty isn’t the only poverty we have to contend with. 62% of the global population lives on less than $10/day. While there’s been progress over the years, the end of poverty is still far off.

Learn more about tackling poverty with an online course: Poverty & Population: How Demographics Shape Policy (Columbia University)

#2. Climate change

The IPCC released its sixth report in 2022. In its summary for policy-makers, the report’s authors outlined a series of near-term, mid-term, and long-term risks. If global warming reaches 1.5°C in the near term (2021-2040), it would cause “unavoidable increases in multiple climate hazards,” as well as “multiple risks to ecosystems and humans.” In the long term, climate change will present major health issues, premature deaths, risks to cities and settlements , and other dangers. Mitigation is desperately needed – and fast. Because of climate change ’s connection to other issues on this list, it’s one of the most serious challenges facing humanity.

Learn more about climate change with an online course: Science and Engineering of Climate Change (EDHEC Business School)

#3. Food insecurity

According to the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises , which is produced by the Global Network against Food Crises, the number of people in crisis or worse is the highest it’s been in the six years since the report has existed. Close to 193 million people were experiencing acute food insecurity in 2021, which is an increase of almost 40 million since 2020. This represents a staggering 80% increase since 2016. Causes include “economic shocks,” like an increase in global food prices. Domestic food price inflation in low-income countries also rose a lot. “Weather-related disasters” are also a big driver. For 15.7 million people in 15 countries, it was the primary driver of acute food insecurity.

Learn more about food insecurity with an online course: Feeding the World (University of Pennsylvania)

#4. Refugee rights

According to UNHCR, the war in Ukraine sparked the fastest-growing refugee crisis since WWII. Almost 6 million (as of May 10, 2022) people have fled. The UNCHR’s Refugee Brief , which compiles the week’s biggest refugee stories, has recently described situations in places like Somalia, where thousands of people were displaced due to severe drought. Between January and mid-April, more than 36,000 refugees from Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso arrived in Niger. These are only a few examples of the refugee crises, which endangers already marginalized groups – like women and children – and puts them at an increased risk of trafficking , violence, and death.

Learn more about refugee rights with an online course: Refugees in the 21st Century (University of London)

#5. COVID-19

The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2022. It will continue to be a major issue for the world. The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2022 discusses COVID’s effects at length , including major economic recovery disparities and social erosion. According to a January 2022 article from NPR , there are also issues with vaccinations as many countries continue to have trouble getting doses. Distribution, vaccine hesitancy, healthcare systems, and other problems also factor into low vaccination rates. While we may never know the exact impact, the WHO estimates that between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021, there were around 14.9 million excess deaths linked to COVID-19.

Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 with an online course: Life After COVID-19: Get Ready for our Post-Pandemic Future (Institute for the Future)

#6. Future pandemic preparation and response

COVID-19 taught the world the importance of prepardeness. In a Harvard blog , Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, outlined the lessons the world should take to heart. The first: science has to guide policy. The politicization of the pandemic led to a lot of unnecessary damage. Another lesson is that science must pair with equity or it can actually make inequalities worse. This is obvious when looking at how low-income countries struggled to get the vaccines while wealthier countries stocked up. More resilient healthcare systems are also a must, as well as more coherent, global plans on how to respond. The world must also invest in research on contagious diseases, zoonotic diseases, the effectiveness of outbreak responses, and more.

Learn more about future pandemic response with an online course: Pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response (Politecnico di Milano)

#7. Healthcare

The healthcare industry has experienced major shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Economic Forum, there’s been new investments and innovations, especially from the technology and telehealth sectors. In 2021, $44 billion was spent on health innovation. The world will be seeing the effects of these innovations for years to come, though equity will no doubt be a major issue. In places like the United States, the pandemic also reaffirmed how broken healthcare systems can be. In an MIT News blog , Andrea Campbell, a professor of political science, says the pandemic revealed a “dire need” for investments in public-health infrastructure, as well as a need to expand healthcare access and insurance coverage.

Learn more about health inequity issues with an online course: Addressing Racial Health Inequity in Healthcare (University of Michigan)

#8. Mental health

Globally, almost 1 billion people have some form of mental disorder. The pandemic made the world’s mental health worse. According to a scientific brief from the WHO , there’s been a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide. Causes include social isolation, fear of sickness, grief, and financial anxieties. Health workers were also severely impacted, as well as young women and girls. The brief also highlights how the pandemic disrupted many mental health services, including services for substance abuse. Countries need to ensure access to mental health services as part of their COVID-19 recovery plans and beyond. It’s an economic decision, as well. The Lancet states that anxiety and depression alone cost the global economy around $1 trillion a year.

Learn more about mental health with an online course: The Science of Well-Being (Yale University)

#9. Disability rights

According to the WHO , over 1 billion people have some form of disability. Half can’t afford healthcare. They’re also more likely to live in poverty than those without a disability, have poorer health outcomes, and have less access to work and education opportunities. Human Rights Watch lists other discriminations disabled people face, such as an increased risk of violence. There’s been progress regarding disability rights, but many countries lack strong protections. The world still has a long way to go to ensure equality for those with disabilities.

Learn more about disability rights with an online courses: Disability Awareness and Support (University of Pittsburgh)

#10. LGBTQ+ rights

Members of the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination in many forms. According to Amnesty International , discrimination can target sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics. Even in more progressive countries like the United States, people face violence and discrimination. According to the Human Rights Campaign, more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were proposed in 2022. At least a dozen states are considering legislation that forbids schools from discussing or using a curriculum that covers sexual orientation and gender identity. Considering the United States’ influence in the world, this attack on LGBTQ+ rights will likely have consequences that need to be addressed.

Learn more about LGBTQ+ issues with an online courses .

#11. Reproductive justice

Reproductive justice – which encompasses more than just abortion rights – is threatened by legislation, lack of funding, lack of education, and restricted healthcare access. In most places, wealth is a big determinant of whether a person can access reproductive services. It’s better in some places than others, but as we’ve seen with other issues on this list, even “progressive” countries like the United States are experiencing major shifts. In June 2022, the Supreme Court is expected to overrule Roe v. Wade , a milestone court case that protected a pregnant woman’s right to abortion. The impact would be immediate and will likely influence other countries.

Learn more about reproductive justice and women’s rights: International Women’s Health and Human Rights (Stanford University)

#12. Children’s rights

Children are a very vulnerable group. In 2019, around 5.2 million children under five from mostly preventable and treatable causes. 2.4 million were newborns under 28 days old. Leading causes include preterm birth complications, pneumonia, and malaria. According to UNICEF, the climate crisis also represents a severe threat to kids. Around 1 billion kids live in “extremely high-risk countries” that are hit by the worst effects of climate change. 920 kids have trouble accessing clean water and 600 million are exposed to vector-borne diseases like malaria. Child labor also remains an issue. At the beginning of 2020, around 160 million were forced into labor while COVID-19 put 9 million more kids at risk. That’s almost 1 in 10 children globally. Almost half are in dangerous environments. As is often the case, the other issues on this list – climate change, poverty, COVID, gender equality, etc – factor into children’s rights.

Learn more about children’s rights: Children’s Human Rights – An Interdisciplinary Introduction (University of Geneva)

#13. Gender equality

Global gender equality has gradually improved over the years, but data from the 2021 Global Gender Report shows that the end of the global gender gap is still 135 years away. The pandemic played a huge role in reversing positive trends as women were hit harder financially. According to Oxfam , women experienced a 5% job loss while men experienced 3.9%. That means women lost about $800 million in 2020. This is a low estimate since it doesn’t count the informal economy, which includes millions of women. Women are also more likely to live in poverty, more affected by gender-based violence, and more affected by climate change.

Learn more about gender equality: Gender Analytics: Gender Equity through Inclusive Design (University of Toronto)

#14. Cybersecurity

The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2022 (page 9) listed cybersecurity vulnerabilities as a concern. The reason is rapid digitalization, which was triggered in part by COVID-19. Many “advanced economies” are now at a higher risk for cyberattacks. GRPS respondents identified cybersecurity failure as a critical short-term risk. In 2020, malware and ransomware attacks went up by 358% and 435%. There are a few reasons for this, including better (and easier) attack methods and poor governance. Cyberattacks have a swath of serious consequences and erode public trust. As countries become more dependent on digitalization, their cybersecurity needs to keep up.

Learn more about cybersecurity: IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (IBM)

#15. Disinformation

Rapid digitalization comes with many issues, including the lightning-fast spread of disinformation. The WEF report describes deepfakes, an accessible AI technology, and its potential to sway elections and other political outcomes. Disinformation doesn’t need to be sophisticated to be successful, however. Through social media posts and videos, twelve anti-vax activists were responsible for almost ⅔ of all anti-vaccine content on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Their content flooded the internet with the type of harmful, fear-mongering disinformation that played a significant role in vaccine hesitancy and political radicalization. Because disinformation travels faster online than the truth, it’s a global issue that should be addressed.

Learn more about tackling disinformation: Communicating Trustworthy Information in the Digital World (University of Rotterdam)

#16. Freedom of the press

According to the Varieties of Democracy Institute (as reported in The Economist ), about 85% of people live in a country where press freedom has gone down in the past 5 years. After peaking at .65 in the early 2000s and 2011, the global average dropped to .49 in 2021. Major countries like China, India, Russia, Brazil, and Turkey saw significant declines. Journalists and news organizations face threats like violence, imprisonment, lack of funding, and coordinated online attacks and harassment. A free press is essential to a functioning democracy. Without press freedom, all human rights are at risk.

Learn more about freedom of expression: Human Rights for Open Societies (Utrecht University)

#17. Debt crises

In the WEF Global Risks Report (page 7), respondents named debt crises as one of the most pressing issues over the next decade, though respondents believe they will become most serious in just 3-5 years. COVID-19 is a big reason why. Government stimulus was necessary, but many countries are now left with debt burdens. For corporate and public finances in large economies, debt burdens can lead to defaults, bankruptcies, insolvency, and more. This is a far-reaching issue as it affects budgets for areas like healthcare and green energy.

Learn more about the debt: Finance for everyone – Debt (McMaster University)

#18. Corruption

Corruption encompasses a host of actions such as bribery, election manipulation, fraud, and state capture. The World Bank Group names corruption as a barrier to ending extreme poverty and “boosting shared prosperity” for the poorest populations. When it comes to addressing poverty, climate change, healthcare, gender equality, and more, corruption gets in the way. Because corruption is a global problem, global solutions are necessary. Reform, better accountability systems, and open processes will all help.

Learn more about tackling corruption: What is Corruption: Anti-Corruption and Compliance (University of Pennsylvania)

#19. Authoritarianism

According to Freedom House, global democracy is eroding. That includes countries with long-established democracies. In their 2022 report, the organization reveals that global freedom has been declining for the past 16 years. 60 countries faced declines in the last year. Only 25 saw improvements. Only 20% of the global population lives in Free countries. China, Russia, and other authoritarian countries have gained more power in the international system, while countries with established democracies – like the United States – are losing their freedoms. What can be done? Freedom House says success “requires a bold, sustained response that establishes support for democracy and countering authoritarianism.” Governments and citizens engage and stand for democracy.

Learn more about tackling authoritarianism: Citizenship and the Rule of Law (University of London)

#20. Global cooperation

Addressing the issues in this article is not an easy task. True progress is only possible through global cooperation, a fact which is woven through the WEF report. Everything from addressing cybersecurity threats to humanitarian emergencies to protecting democracy depends on strong cooperation between countries. As the report says in its preface: “Restoring trust and fostering cooperation within and between countries will be crucial to addressing these challenges and preventing the world from drifting further apart.” The challenges threatening global cooperation are just as clear as the need, however, which makes it one of the most serious issues of the day.

Learn more about global cooperation: Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Home / Essay Samples / Business / Human Resource Management / Contemporary Issues in HRM: A Critical Analysis of Current Practices

Contemporary Issues in HRM: A Critical Analysis of Current Practices

• Category: Business
• Topic: Human Resource Management , Human Resources

Pages: 6 (2712 words)

Views: 4946

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Introduction

Contemporary challenges of hrm, work force diversity:, changing market:, quality of work life:, management system:, organizational culture:, leadership development:, environmental challenges:, social issues:, different objectives of hrd:, globalization:, other challenges:.

• Changing demographics of the workforce.
• Layoffs and downsizing.
• Information and communication system.
• Increased use of social networking to distribute information to the employees.

Positioning and allignment of the environmental and HR function:

Green employee engagement:, globalization and cultural complexity:, youth and unemployment:, quest for talent and career development:, employee engagement and motivation:, contemporary issues faced by human resource managers today, multi-generational challenges in workplace:, legislation affecting workplace:, technological advances and workplace:, hr and internationalization of business.

• Coordinating the market; product; and production plans on the worldwide basis.
• Creating organizational structures capable of balancing the centralized home office control with the adequate local autonomy.
• Extending the HR policies and the systems to service staffing needs abroad.
• Deployment: Easily getting the right skills to where they needed, regardless of the geographic location.
• Knowledge and innovation Dissemination: Spreading the state of the art knowledge and the practices throughout the organization regardless of the origin.
• Identifying and developing talents on a global basis: Identifying those who can able to function effectively in a global organization and develop their abilities.

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Challenges of shrm.

• Structure: The success of the company depends upon whether there is a proper management structure in the place.
• Team-working: By withdrawing the old traditional hierarchies a background of creating a team building is created. In a many of the cases, the less layers there are between the workers and the director there are, the more harmonized working environment. Also the communication between the staffs is easier and more effective.
• Performance: This strategy is based on an analyzing the critical success factors and the performance levels reached in relation to them. The performance can be improved by taking necessary steps to improve training, development, reorganization, the development of performance management processes, business process re-engineering, etc.
• Quality and customer care: The aim of the most companies is to achieve the competitive advantage. The competitive advantage is often measured by the customer satisfaction and hence loyalty and retention.

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