One cannot deny the fact that many good and positive things exist in the world we live in. The world, as a whole, has been able to achieve and overcome a lot in the past centuries. But, there is much more the world still needs to achieve. Thus, we must remain optimistic and continue the fight. This write-up puts light on some of the most prominent global social issues still prevalent in today’s world.
Income Gap
Over the past few years, the income gap has increased across the globe. And the gap will almost certainly grow more amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a global social issue. Factors such as race, sexuality, and gender may also be the reason for unequal wages. The gender pay gap exists in any sector. Indeed there is a major disparity between the incomes of men and women for the same job.
Gun violence
Many medical practitioners consider gun violence to be a global epidemic. One may easily notice how the human care sectors and human health, in general, suffered due to Gun Violence.
Gun violence is an especially alarming issue, ranging from murders to mass killings to suicides. The rate of violent crime involving weapons is the highest among developed countries. But gun violence has an effect that extends past the killings.
Gun Violence directly impacts the physical and mental aspects of the individuals who partake in it. Even those who are the victims or have been gone through a shooting encounter experience long-term mental and physical effects.
Hunger and Malnutrition
As of now, 795 million people in the world are suffering from hunger. They simply do not have enough food to eat. And for the long run, ending poverty is the first step toward reducing global hunger. Combating poverty needs extensive job training. Also, schooling and learning to cook can have a positive impact.
As a result, people in need will be most likely to seek employment. And gain enough income to afford food or even prepare their own meals to cut costs.
Security
There is a threat that is always looming over our heads. Personal, as well as collective security, is in danger from multiple avenues. It is pertinent that nations work together to protect people against the prominent Global social issues. Also, safety must extend to both public and private domains. In that direction, the existence of an organization such as the United Nations has been vital.
The United Nations, or simply, UN, fills in the holes regarding security that impacts the wellbeing of a nation. Through its various branches, such as UNICEF and UNDP, the United Nations works with many governments. Thus, in this way, it aims to ensure social security, security of life, and so on.
Education
There is a trend that has been going on for a long time. Studies reveal that there is a lack of education, especially in Asia and Africa. These nations account for those who either don’t have access to education or cannot afford it. In fact, as many as 72 million children do not get to go to primary school.
The lack of education harms other social issues such as inequality. Education helps in reducing the levels of inequality in society. Also, it leads to poverty and further marginalization of society.
But there are initiatives that work for the cause of education. The UNICEF is one of them.
Unemployment
When there is no education available for people, there is no way to impart skills. Also, without any specialized skills, finding a job in today’s world is nothing but a fool’s dream. There are no jobs, especially among the age groups of 15 to 24 and 25 and above. These stats hold for OECD countries in particular. People in these age groups find it hard to get employed with the skills they possess.
Also, it directly affects the standard of living. No job equals the absence of any means to get resources. It includes housing, food, clothing, and so on.
Racism as a Social Issue
No nation in the world can say they are not familiar with racism or its various forms. From Asia to Europe, racism still exists. The United States, too, is no stranger to racism. One can feel and see it persisting in everyday life, in offices and schools. Among the most recent memory is that of the George Floyd incident.
Racism doesn’t only affect the individual, but it slows down a whole nation from moving ahead. It puts people’s physical and mental health at risk and impedes their growth as human beings.
Inequality
The NASW Code of Ethics states that achieving equality is an important aspect of social justice. It is a problem that runs across almost all of the previous issues, whether it relates to money or energy. And now, the issue has become sadly far more accurate due to the COVID-19. The pandemic has had a greater medical and economic impact on vulnerable communities in particular.