A social issue is a condition or problem that negatively affects a large number of people within a society and impacts their personal or social lives as well as the well-being of communities. These issues are typically recognized by the public as significant problems that conflict with societal values and require collective action or solutions

. Key characteristics of social issues include:

• They have negative consequences for many individuals or groups.
• They are widely recognized by society as problems needing attention.
• They contradict the values or principles held by the majority.
• They can be addressed or alleviated through social action, policy changes, or community resources

Examples of social issues include poverty, crime, discrimination, substance abuse, homelessness, environmental problems, and inequality

. Social issues often arise from broader social, economic, or political factors beyond individual control and can provoke public debate and differing opinions on causes and solutions

. In summary, social issues are socially recognized problems that hinder society's optimal functioning and require collective efforts to resolve or mitigate their impact on people's lives.