What is the definition of social issues?

Social issues encompass issues that a small to representative group of people within a society disagree with or find undesirable. An example of a social issue, also known as a social problem, would be abortion.

To be classified as a social issue or a social illness, a topic or issue must both influence the society it is in, and be opposed by a fair amount of individuals. The opposition need not be the majority of the people. Social issues can be local, national or international. Other examples of social issues or problems include hunger, alcohol and drug abuse, gambling, racism and inequality.