SOCIAL ISSUES Social issues, as the term suggests, are problems that affect the individuals within a society. It is a group of common problems in one’s present society which people strive to solve. Social issues are often the consequence of factors extending beyond an individual's control. Four characteristics help us define whether or not a problem is a social issue. In order for a problem to be a social issue the problem must have negative consequences for large portions of the population and the people in this population must be able to recognize this issue as a significant problem that needs to be addressed. The problem must go against what the majority of citizens consider the values or principles of that society and the solution to the issue should be solved through social action, resources, or regulation. Most societies have multiple problems. But if the issue doesn't meet all four characteristics noted, it cannot be considered a social issue. The Caribbean is a collection of developing countries that is the hub of global social problems. These islands of paradise have not been saved from the social ills and problems prevalent in societies at large. Sadly, Guyana falls into this bracket and its people are therefore affected by many of these social issues. Some such issues are poverty since Guyana is said to be one of the poorest Caribbean countries, the lack of education, abuse, injustice,poor Health Care, many people are denied right to an Identity, child Labor and lastly, Children in the Streets. There are a variety of methods people use to combat social issues. Some people vote for leaders in a democracy to advance their ideals. Outside the political process, people donate or share their time, money, energy, or other resources. This often takes the form of volunteering. Nonprofit organizations are often formed for the sole purpose of solving a social issue. Community organizing involves gathering people together for a common purpose. Research has proven that the most effective ways to alleviate social issues in Guyana and the caribbean include the provision of basic needs for citizens such as health care, social infrastructure, education, food etc by the government of the people as well as providing job opportunities for young people and encouraging and supporting them to launch businesses of their own. Besides providing the basic necessities for a nation, the government should strive to maintain morals and decency within the Caribbean and Guyana by enforcing film and music censorship boards so that the music and films produced and released into our society does not pollute the minds of our youth while maintaining order by ensuring that adequate justice and punishments are meted out to criminal offenders and for individuals as well as establishing rehabilitation centers for individuals who suffer from various forms of addiction and mental health issues. This will help to reform traumatized citizens who need behavioral reform. Social Issues are problems that require urgent solutions since they not only impact individuals but also create disruption or hardship for large numbers of people. Therefore, I strongly stand as an advocate with Thomas Paine, since it was he who once said "allow the same rights to others as we allow ourselves." The failure to do so causes the creation of a social issue.
