The United States, with a population of over 330 million spread across its 50 states and Washington D.C., faces various social challenges. The impact of American politics and culture extends globally, influencing people worldwide.
It is important to be aware of some prominent issues affecting the nation. We have discussed some of the social issues and examples to better help you comprehend the issues at hand.
Student debt is a widespread concern, burdening many individuals seeking education. Wage inequality is another issue, reflecting disparities in earnings among different groups. Healthcare and housing present challenges, affecting citizens’ well-being and access to shelter.
Racism remains a deeply rooted problem, affecting various aspects of American society. Recognizing and addressing these ten issues is vital for creating a more equitable and just society, not only for Americans but for the global community impacted by these challenges.
Continue reading as you learn more about the social issues examples in the US that need urgent attention.
Examples of Social Issues in the US
1. The Challenge of Affordable Housing
Finding affordable housing in the United States is increasingly difficult. A 2021 Pew Research report reveals that 49% of Americans consider affordable housing a “major problem” in their communities, marking a 10% increase since early 2019.
The problem is closely linked to stagnant wages, creating a growing concern nationwide.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2021 report highlights a troubling fact: no worker in any state can afford a two-bedroom rental home with a standard 40-hour work week. In states like New York, California, and Texas, the situation is particularly dire.
In New York, one needs to work 94 hours a week at the state’s $12.50/hour wage to afford a 1-bedroom rental. In California, a $14.00/hour minimum wage requires 89 hours of work per week for the same. Even in Texas, with its $7.25/hour wage, a 1-bedroom rental demands a staggering 100-hour work week.
Stagnant wages, mounting debts, and soaring prices also shatter the dream of home ownership, especially for Millennials.
According to Apartment List, 18% of millennial renters face significant barriers to entering the housing market, adding to the broader challenge of housing affordability in the country.
2. The Struggle for Affordable Healthcare
Achieving a well-functioning and affordable healthcare system remains a challenge in the United States.
According to an analysis by KFF using government data, about 1 in 10 adults are burdened with medical debt, with 3 million people owing more than $10,000. Those most affected by significant medical debt include Black adults, individuals with disabilities, and those in poor health. In total, Americans collectively owe hundreds of billions of dollars.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed flaws in the healthcare system. A 2021 article highlighted enduring issues such as barriers to healthcare access, high prices, inequities, the neglect of public health, and quality concerns, all exacerbated by the pandemic. The existing healthcare system proved inadequate to effectively manage the crisis.
For the United States to address both future pandemics and the day-to-day health and well-being of its population, a comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare system is imperative.
Also Read: What is Social Criticism? Types of Social Criticism
3. Growing Wage Inequality
A recent study by the Economic Policy Institute revealed a concerning trend in wage inequality from 1979 to 2020.
The wages of the top 1.0% skyrocketed by 179.3%, with an even more staggering increase of 389.1% for the top 0.1%. In stark contrast, the wages of the bottom 90% grew by a mere 28.2%.
This growing divide in income has led to an alarming situation where, in 2020, the bottom 90% received only 60.2% of all wages – the lowest share since data tracking began in 1937.
In 2021, the wealth disparity continued to widen as the top 10% of Americans held a staggering 70% of the entire U.S. wealth. Furthermore, the gap between CEO pay and the wages of typical workers highlights the stark inequality in the country.
Between 1978 and 2018, CEO pay surged by over 900%, while the typical worker witnessed a meagre increase of only 11.9%. This data underscores the reality that the rich are indeed getting richer in the United States, exacerbating the issue of income inequality.
4. Student Debt
Student debt remains one of the top social issues examples in the US.
In a 2022 article, Forbes highlighted concerning facts about student loan debt in the United States. The total student debt, combining federal and private loans, amounts to a staggering $1.75 trillion. On average, individual borrowers owe nearly $29,000.
Federal student loans contribute to 92% of the overall student debt, with the growth rate surpassing the increase in tuition by 353.8%. Despite federal relief efforts, the problem persists. In 2020, collective student debt increased by more than 8%, leaving many borrowers struggling to make payments.
The consequences of falling behind on loan payments extend beyond financial strain. A drop in credit scores occurs, hindering access to other forms of debt relief. The ongoing issue is exacerbated by the lack of additional credit lines, leading individuals deeper into debt.
Rising tuition fees play a significant role, but reduced state funding for higher education and stagnant wages also contribute to the problem. While immediate relief could be achieved through debt cancellations, a comprehensive approach is necessary, addressing tuition costs, funding cuts, and stagnant wages to effectively tackle the student debt crisis.
5. Racism
Racism has been a problem in the United States for many years. In 2020, there were big protests for civil rights, the largest since the 1960s. But, not everyone supports the efforts to make things better.
Some people are against books that talk about race and racism, especially in schools. This makes it harder for kids to learn about these important issues.
Racism also shows up in violent ways. In May, an 18-year-old person killed 10 Black people on purpose. He wrote a manifesto explaining why he did it. He believed in an idea called the Great Replacement Theory, which says White people are being replaced.
A survey found that about 7 out of 10 Republicans, a political group, think that liberal politicians want more power by replacing conservative White voters. This doesn’t mean all Republicans would do something violent, but it shows that racist ideas are still common. We need to find ways to change these ideas and make the country better for everyone.
6. Challenges to Voting Rights
The attack on voting rights is one of the major examples of social issues and a major concern in the United States because it affects many other issues. The Brennan Center For Justice keeps track of restrictions, and from January 1 to December 7, 2021, 19 states passed 34 laws limiting voting access.
Republicans have always wanted stricter voting laws, but after the false claim that Joe Biden stole the presidential election, their attacks have increased.
The Center found that as of May 4, 2022, at least 34 bills with restrictive provisions were moving through 11 state legislatures. Throughout the entire 2022 legislative session, 39 states will consider almost 400 restrictive voting bills.
These bills aim to limit mail-in voting, restrict Sunday voting, introduce new or stricter voter ID laws, and more. These laws not only limit voter access but also support false claims about election integrity, eroding voter trust in the results.
7. The Challenge of the Refugee Crisis
The refugee crisis, a major focus in 2019, continues to be a pressing concern for those directly affected.
According to the United Nations, an unprecedented number of individuals now reside in a country different from their birthplace. Approximately 70.8 million people have been compelled to leave their homes, with nearly 30 million classified as refugees. Shockingly, over half of the global refugee population is comprised of individuals under the age of 18.
This displaced community grapples with various hurdles, including limited access to education, healthcare, job opportunities, and essential resources. Whether escaping conflict or natural disasters in their home countries, refugees require additional assistance in managing the logistical, mental, and emotional challenges they face.
Social workers, with their unique skills, are well-equipped to provide the necessary support to help these individuals cope with and overcome the hardships of their situations. The need for a collective effort to address the multifaceted issues surrounding the refugee crisis remains paramount in ensuring the well-being and stability of those affected.
Also Read: 10 Social Construction of Disability
8. The Issue of Banning Books in Schools
In recent months, many people who care about education, such as librarians and teachers, have been alarmed by the increasing number of book bans happening in schools across the United States.
PEN America, in its first official count of banned books, identified over 1,500 instances of individual books being banned in just nine months. These bans have taken place in 26 states, affecting 86 school districts and impacting almost 3,000 schools with more than 2 million students.
While challenges to books in school libraries are not new, what sets this trend apart is that 41% of the bans documented in PEN’s Index have connections to state officials or elected lawmakers, marking an “unprecedented shift.” The books facing challenges often touch on subjects like sexual education, LGBTQ+ identities, and the teaching of race and racism.
Conservative groups, like Moms for Liberty, commonly use the argument of “parental rights” to justify these bans. There is even concern that book bans may extend beyond school libraries, as seen in a case where a Virginia legislator sued Barnes & Noble to prevent the sale of two alleged obscene books to minors without parental consent. While this surge in book bans is relatively new, it is currently one of the most pressing social issues in the US.
9. The Challenge of Gun Violence
Gun violence is a big problem in the United States, and health experts say it’s like a serious health crisis for the public. It doesn’t just affect people who get killed; it has a wide impact on different areas like health and human services.
There are various forms of gun violence, such as murders, gang violence, mass shootings, and suicides.
Sadly, the U.S. has the highest number of gun-related homicides among developed countries. The effects of gun violence are not only felt by those who lose their lives; people who get hurt, see gun violence happen or lose someone they care about also face long-lasting problems, both in their minds and bodies.
The issue goes beyond just the numbers; it’s a concern that touches many lives and has far-reaching consequences on people’s well-being.
10. Climate Justice
Climate justice is one of the most critical examples of social issues that scientists and activists have been emphasizing for years. Despite the warnings, little has been done to address the impacts of climate change.
The United States is now experiencing more severe effects, evident in the devastating winter storms of 2021. These storms led to the worst energy infrastructure failure in Texas, resulting in shortages of energy, water, and food. A report from the Department of State Health Services identified 246 deaths, but the actual toll may be higher.
Research suggests that the warming caused by climate change in the Arctic may be linked to these storms. As the climate warms, polar vortex outbreaks increase, leading to the kind of storms witnessed in Texas. Climate change is also contributing to longer wildfire seasons and more intense heatwaves, as seen in the Pacific Northwest in June 2021, causing hundreds of deaths.
Such “unusual” events are predicted to become more frequent, highlighting the urgent need for action to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change on our communities and environment.