What are some major issues in the United States?

Asked by: Dr. Jerrell Armstrong II  |  Last update: February 10, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (8 votes)

Major issues in the U.S. include persistent economic inequality, political polarization, high healthcare costs, immigration debates, national debt, climate change, cybersecurity threats, and concerns about democracy's stability, alongside ongoing challenges with infrastructure, racism, and social divisions, all impacting daily life and governance.

What are major issues in America right now?

  • Anti-Corruption and Transparency.
  • Arms Control and Nonproliferation.
  • Climate and Environment.
  • Climate Crisis.
  • Combating Drugs and Crime.
  • Countering Terrorism.
  • Cyber Issues.
  • Economic Prosperity and Trade Policy.

What are some social issues in the United States?

Major social issues in America include economic inequality, healthcare access, racial discrimination, immigration, gun violence, climate change, and political polarization, affecting daily life through challenges like the housing crisis, education gaps, and debates over human rights and social justice, with public concern often focused on inflation, affordability, and the division between political parties. 

What are 5 issues in today's society?

Five major societal problems today include climate change, income inequality & poverty, healthcare access & affordability, political polarization & distrust, and racial & social discrimination, all interconnected and impacting global well-being, economic stability, and social justice. These challenges affect everything from basic needs like food and clean water to fundamental rights and mental health, often disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. 

What are some major world issues?

Global environmental issues

  • Overconsumption – situation where resource use has outpaced the sustainable capacity of the ecosystem.
  • Overpopulation – too many people for the planet to sustain.
  • Biodiversity loss.
  • Food waste.
  • Deforestation.
  • Desertification.
  • Global warming/climate change.
  • Habitat destruction.

What are the major issues confronting the U.S.? Robert Hormats | Big Think

27 related questions found

What are 10 major problems in the world?

Top 10 world problems and their solutions

  • So, what are the most pressing issues in the world today?
  • Climate Change.
  • Wars and military conflicts.
  • Water contamination crisis.
  • Human rights violation.
  • Global health issues.
  • Global poverty crisis.
  • Children's poor access to healthcare, education and safety.

What are the 7 major types of globalization?

The following list is a list of the significant types of globalization:

  • Economic globalization.
  • Social globalization.
  • Cultural globalization.
  • Political globalization.
  • Environmental globalization.
  • Technological globalization.
  • Financial globalization.
  • Geographical globalization.

What do Americans worry about?

For the tenth consecutive year, corrupt government officials topped the list, with 69% of respondents saying they are afraid or very afraid of government corruption. Other leading fears include a loved one becoming seriously ill (58.9%), economic or financial collapse (58.2%), and cyber-terrorism (55.9%).

What is a current issue?

"Current issues" means important, ongoing topics, problems, or subjects of debate that are happening now and affecting people, society, or specific fields like politics, economics, or technology, often requiring discussion and action, such as climate change, inequality, or healthcare. It refers to the present-day challenges and discussions that shape public opinion and policy, distinguishing them from past or future concerns. 

What is the biggest social issue?

16 Biggest Social Issues That Lead to Social Injustices

  • Food Insecurity and Hunger. ...
  • Access to Clean Water and Sanitation. ...
  • The Digital Divide. ...
  • Immigration and Refugee Rights. ...
  • LGBTQ+ Rights and Discrimination. ...
  • Child Labor and Exploitation. ...
  • Mental Health Stigma and Access. ...
  • Political Disenfranchisement.

What social issues does Gen Z care about?

Members of Gen Z Are Concerned about a Wide Range of Economic and Social Issues

  • Inflation and gas prices. 39%
  • Abortion. 30%
  • Jobs that pay a living wage. 26%
  • Climate change. 23%
  • Gun violence prevention. 21%
  • Racism. 18%
  • Housing costs. 17%
  • Health care costs. 16%

What should US citizens be concerned about?

Government corruption is a top worry for Americans – a majority (54%) say they are very worried about it. The cost of living and the economy are also among the top concerns (48% and 47% say they are very worried). Under one-third of Americans (29%) say they are very worried about global warming.

What are the current social issues?

Current major social issues include climate change, healthcare access, inequality (racial, gender, economic), mental health crises, immigration & refugee rights, digital privacy & disinformation, housing affordability, and ongoing conflicts, all impacting communities globally and demanding systemic solutions for human rights, justice, and sustainability.
 

What are some social issues in the US?

Major social issues in America include economic inequality, healthcare access, racial discrimination, immigration, gun violence, climate change, and political polarization, affecting daily life through challenges like the housing crisis, education gaps, and debates over human rights and social justice, with public concern often focused on inflation, affordability, and the division between political parties. 

What are three current events in the news today?

  • Brain-infecting 'raccoon roundworm' parasite found in dog in San Fernando Valley.
  • Man dies after being beaten, run over in Beverly Hills; suspect arrested.
  • 'Largest outbreak that we've seen in California.' ...
  • Edison sues L.A. County and other agencies, saying they share blame for Eaton fire deaths, destruction.

What are the biggest problems people face today?

Climate change is one of the major challenges of our time. From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production, to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale.

What are five social issues?

Social issues are any condition or behavior that negatively affects individuals, groups, and communities. From poverty and inequality to discrimination, exploitation, depression, violence, and substance abuse – these issues are all-encompassing.

What are six big problems we currently face?

While it's hardly a comprehensive discussion, it's a solid introduction to the kinds of concerns facing our world today.

  • #1. Poverty. ...
  • #2. Climate change. ...
  • #3. Food insecurity. ...
  • #4. Refugee rights. ...
  • #5. COVID-19. ...
  • #6. Future pandemic preparation and response. ...
  • #7. Healthcare. ...
  • #8. Mental health.

What are the three types of issues?

An issue is an important problem or topic that people in the society argue about or discuss since it negatively affects many people in the society. It could be a social, moral, or economic issue.

What are the top 5 things people worry about?

  • Worry Over Work. If you're worried about work on a regular basis, you're certainly not alone. ...
  • Worry About Money. Arguably the most common worry is about money, or, a lack of it. ...
  • Worrying Over Health. Another big thing people worry about is their health. ...
  • Worry About What Others Think. ...
  • Worrying About The Past.

Is it true that 90% of what we worry about never happens?

Yes, research suggests that a vast majority of worries, often cited as around 85% to 90%, never actually happen, and even when they do, people often cope better than expected. Studies, including ones from Penn State and Cornell University, tracked people's worries and found that most were "false alarms," highlighting how much mental energy is spent on unlikely future problems. 

What are people's top 10 fears?

The top 10 most common fears (phobias) often include: Arachnophobia (spiders), Ophidiophobia (snakes), Acrophobia (heights), Agoraphobia (crowds/open spaces), Claustrophobia (enclosed spaces), Aerophobia (flying), Astraphobia (thunder/lightning), Mysophobia (germs), Cynophobia (dogs), and Trypanophobia (injections), alongside significant fears of public speaking (Glossophobia), death (Thanatophobia), and the fear of loved ones getting sick or dying, as highlighted by Chapman University surveys. These fears range from specific animals and situations to broader anxieties about health, safety, and societal issues, impacting millions globally.
 

What are the 3 C's of globalization?

As the ACS Board of Directors' liaison to the society programs' globalization effort, I firmly believe that when we think about globalization, we should focus on the three Cs: communication, collaboration, and cooperation.

What are the 4 types of global economy?

The four major types of economic systems are Traditional, Command, Market, and Mixed, each differing in how they answer basic economic questions about production, distribution, and consumption, with traditional systems relying on custom, command on government control, market on supply/demand, and mixed economies blending government and private choices, as noted by sources like SNHU and CFI. 

Is globalization good or bad?

Globalization is neither inherently good nor bad, but a complex force with significant benefits like economic growth, increased trade, and cultural exchange, alongside major drawbacks such as job displacement, widening inequality, environmental damage, and cultural homogenization. Supporters highlight improved living standards and innovation, while critics point to exploitation, pollution, and the struggles of low-skilled workers, making its overall impact a subject of ongoing debate.