How Social Issues Have Set the Political World on Fire

How Social Issues Have Set the Political World on Fire

Social issues have long been intertwined with political action. Passionate arguments exist on both sides on today’s most contentious issues. There is very little middle ground in our opinions as a society as we work to do the right thing for the right reasons.

Professor Larry Brewster at the University of San Francisco wrote on this topic in his book entitled “The Public Agenda: Issues in American Politics.” In this text, Brewster looks at several issues that continue to define the studies of public administration, political and social science scholars. A few of these issues include:

The Economy

Income disparity has emerged as a point of dispute in political circles. There is a wide chasm between the richest Americans and the rest of the citizenry. Many social academics believe that there should be a greater movement to sharing the wealth. Those on the other side of the issue cry foul and hold tight to their profits, investing only in those causes that support their political stance.

Education

Over the years, education has fallen prey to budget cuts and union demands. Now, the United States must rush to keep up with the rest of the world. Our students’ prowess in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects does not compare to the academic achievements in the rest of the civilized world. These students – and subjects – are our future, but how to fund the betterment of our educational system remains up for discussion.

Health Care

If the Affordable Care Act (ACA) taught us anything, it was that there is vast disagreement as to whether access to healthcare is a right or a privilege. When the decision makers in the government have paid health coverage for life, it is difficult to suggest that they can fully understand the challenges faced by their constituents. For public administrators and social scientists, the continuing argument seems futile especially as Obamacare has met its enrollment goals.

Brewster’s writings also look at the relationship between terrorism and international affairs, the state of the criminal justice system, and civil and minority rights in modern society. Studying for your MPA online can introduce you to the most significant social concepts that are at play in America right now, in communities across the nation.