social policy conclusion essay

Contemporary Issues in Social Policy Essay

Strength and welfare of a society depend largely on the extent to which government and social institutions care for their most vulnerable members. Under certain circumstances, people with a learning disability, particularly those who experience severe complications are considered the most vulnerable focus group of the British society.

There is convincing evidence that people with disabilities are less likely to receive sufficient support and care regardless the Disability Discrimination Act and other legislatures that have been established in the country. The highlighted problems reveal serious pitfalls in delivering equal treatment, sustaining a high quality of care practice, and problems with funding plans that have specifically been worked out for disabled children and adults.

In addition to these problems, society experiences such problems as income inequality and poverty contributing to extremely low standards of living. As a result, failure to adhere to legislative act supporting the quality standards of public health cases, as well as inability of the government to cope with the societal problems provides a strong framework for discussion.

The emergent problems need to be addressed from the perspective of treating the most vulnerable members of society, as well as define to what extent the unemployment rates and low-income rates influence the accomplishment of social polices in Britain.

Development of Social Policy and Welfare in Contemporary Britain

In the context of the above-highlighted problems, the public care and social policies in Britain are under the primary focus. Evidence shows that many hospitals lack sufficient care and training programs that would make health care available for regardless of social status and physical abilities.

However, the contemporary situation fails to meet the established goals due to the insufficient funding, and lack of consistent action plan, and absence of specialized orientation for treating old people, as well as adults with learning disabilities. Despite the establishment of many social programs, such as Valuing People, much concern with social welfare in the country remains. According to the Valuing People program, health care professionals, as well as public officer, should follow three main principles.

First, they should assist the most vulnerable members of society in leading an independent life. Second, they should respect people’s rights, regardless of their social position and income. Finally, they should provide people with choice in terms of the type of care they need to get (The Secretary of State for Health by Command of Her Majesty, 2001).

For certain reasons, some of the hospitals, particularly the establishment located in Cornwall failed to provide sufficient care and treatment to people with learning disabilities (Healthcare Commission, 2006). The investigation has also revealed the case of maltreatment and abuse practiced by poorly trained professionals.

Such a situation has been caused by serious pitfalls in human resource management on the part of the top leaders of the hospital. In addition, lack of plans of care does not provide professionals with accurate data concerning which tools and instruments should be used to cope with people with specific needs (Healthcare Commission, 2006). Moreover, lack of records, as well as full mismatch with Valuing People program enabled the investigators to introduce solid measure to prevent the problem in future.

The root of the problem goes deeply into the historic background of social policy formation. Specifically, the committee on Social Insurance and Allied Services (SIAS) introduced a survey on the analysis of existing social schemes tackling the problems of workmen’s compensation, social security, social insurance, and provisional rates (Beveridge, 1942).

At this point, Workmen Compensation Act of 1897 and Unemployment Act of 1934 need to be reconsidered with regard to the result obtained from the survey (Beveridge, 1942). Specific attention was also given to the analysis of medical treatment development, welfare of children, cash benefits for funerals and maternity, and voluntary provisions for a range of contingencies.

The above-presented historical background provides a better picture of necessary improvements, changes, and programs that need to be implemented in the future. Careful reconsideration of healthcare polices and public welfare strategies are indispensible to increasing the quality of living standards.

The Policy Environment in Which Decision Making in Care Practice Takes Place

Introducing new policy environments changes health care vision on the welfare of the public sector. Hence, because public influence on governmental polices in Britain is minimal, the policy environment is largely controlled by the political reforms introduced in the British Parliament (Kavanagh et al., 2006, p. 3).

Within these context, the emergence of pressure group have provided a key platform by means of which civil society is able to participate in political discourse and influence decision making. The so-called liberal democracy prevailed in the British society creates a number of contradictions.

First, interest groups offer a channel of political communication between society and government. Second, the groups can be connected with sectionalism that does not contribute to the general welfare of society (Kavanagh et al., 2006). Despite the presented controversy, the presence of pressure groups signifies the inability of the government to meet the needs and concerns of various social groups. Therefore, the emerged confrontation influences significantly the overall decision making in the sphere of health care practice.

Regardless of the current pitfalls, the presence of various interest groups allows the government tracks the changes within the society and introduces reforms that would improve the overall situation. This is of particular concern to health care practice where active engagement of insider groups into decision-making makes the government take these interventions while making policies in a particular field (Kavanagh et al., 2006, p. 8).

Hence, insider groups constitute an important resource for good information, as well as a basis for good administrative cooperation between health care field and the British government. In addition, because pressure groups operate at national and local levels, the authorities often rely on their concerns and try to identify the issues that can solve the problem.

The policy environment created as mixture of governmental and public initiatives is quite complicated due to the presence of various aspects, such as public objectives, functions and roles, and the extent of political participation at a particular level (Kavanagh et al. 2006).

Apart of positive benefits of the emergence of pressure groups, as well as governmental participation, the policy decisions often produce a number of problems. Specifically, a narrow-focused orientation on increasing the income of the citizens does not provide the country with sufficient level of living.

The Link between Legislative Development and Social Policy and Their Impact on Care Practice

To introduce improvement in administrative field and public sectors, the UK government has a complex system of stage of parliamentary bill. These stages are imperative for considering and evaluating the purposefulness of a specific policy (House of Commons Information Office, 2008).

Because the House of Commons is a democratically elected wing of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, “the purpose of pre-legislative scrutiny is…to make better law by improving the scrutiny of bills and drawing the wider public more effectively into the Parliamentary process” (House of Commons Information Office 2008, p. 3). The process of Bill presentation and acceptance also takes places in the House of Lords (2008).

Both procedures are pivotal because they have a potent impact on the development of legislature in the sphere of care practice as well. The scrutiny of the parliament bill adoption has also been applied to the consideration of the Health and Social Care Bill that aims to protect future of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom and cope with the challenges it experiences to avoid the current problems and surpass the consequences of future crisis (Department of Health 2011).

In addition, the bill seeks to introduce innovations, develop a patient-centred approach and establish a new focus on health care in the public sector. As it can be seen, a systematic and multistage examination of specific principles creates favourable conditions for issuing bills in care practice field.

On the one hand, the complex procedures implemented in the UK Parliament introduce transparency and consistency in adopting decisions in various areas of public health care. On the other hand, the government often pursues personal interests in passing specific legal provisions. Besides, the legal assistance has undergone the change, which makes it challengeable for advice agencies and solicitors to deliver free services.

In this respect, there is a strong necessity to improve and promote access to civil legal assistance. Despite certain measures were taken to solve the problem, the sectors still needs substantial improvements to ensure wider accessibility of the civil legal services (p. 16). Due to the fact that the legal aid service has been practiced for 60 years, constant changes are indispensible for sustaining a favourable development of health care services, as well as advancing the quality standards in medical institutions.

With regard to the above-highlighted problems, the government should present a new vision for reforming public services and creating a consistent framework of high-quality social care that would meet the requirements of the current century. The shits in communities and populations imply that society become much more diverse and, therefore, the existing services should take that into the deepest consideration the demands of the contemporary people.

The Role of the Theoretical Approaches to Welfare in Determining the Shape of Care in the 21 st Century

The social welfare of society can be achieved through the establishment of efficient theoretical approaches that would provide a framework for action plans. The development of social theories takes it roots in the nineteenth century, when Marx made signification contributions to exploring political and economic situations leading to poverty, high unemployment, and social inequalities (Carling, 1991).

According to Marx, the inequality lies in the extraction of the surplus value from the product produced by the employees. In fact, the employer is entitled for the creating the value and, therefore, the surplus-value they get is theft unless it is distributed among the employees.

Therefore, capitalistic system does not contribute to social equality and welfare. In order to reach the freedom and equality, there should be an equal distribution of function among the people where labour power should be given especial importance. Looking at the future development, capitalism does not provide efficient approaches contributing to the welfare of the twenty-first century’s society.

Within the perspectives of the modern development, the functionalism theory can be developed. Greater awareness of social roles that each person should take can strengthen the social structure and provide a consistent framework for building a highly functional society. Considering culturally and social diverse environments is indispensible for defining which roles and functions should each social layer perform to bring in welfare to the twenty-first century’s community in the United Kingdom.

The current problems can be solved by addressing this theoretical approach because it can significantly enhance the work incentives and make the overall social system much simpler (The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 2010). In addition, increasing costs of governmental support has a negative impact on maintaining welfare and sustaining an appropriate level of care in the public sector.

There are many reasons why functionalism can be effectively applied to improve the above-highlighted problems. To begin with, defining the accurate roles of each social stratum can introduce social order and transparency in making decision and increasing the overall quality of care in the majority of UK hospitals.

With regard to the problem of insufficient funding and lack of education in Cornwall hospitals, the establishment of functionalism theory with the division of labour principle at the core can help the managers understand the problems and take greater control of the existing shortcoming, including maltreatment, abusive attitude to disabled individuals, inappropriate education.

Introducing the so-called collective consciousness and an individual-centred approach to treating patient can strike the balance between personal interest and the interest of the entire community.

The collective behaviour can create shared value consensus that would satisfy all the parties involved into social welfare creation. Health care professionals will gain a greater awareness of the importance of responsibilities they should take in front of the patients with learning disabilities.

A properly arranged social system will make the individuals believe that their duties are accomplished for the sake of their personal interests. At the same time, their contributions will be valuable for the gradual development of the UK society. In addition, members of society should be able to adapt to the various environments, attain to a commonly shared goal, integrate into the goals accomplishment and follow the generally established values.

The quality of health care delivery services in the United Kingdom fails to meet high-quality standards established in the world. This is of particular concern to the hospitals dealing with patients with learning disabilities. The group of patients should be able to receive an equal access to public care, which means that should receive qualified and specialized help from the health care professionals that should be much more advanced than those provided for people with ability to lead an independent life.

The major problem lies in insufficient funding, absence of appropriate recording system, lack of education and training programs for the staff, and absence of action plans. In order to solve these problems, specific legal regulations, as well as theoretical approach should be introduced. At this point, functionalism framework can significantly promote the social welfare in the 21 st century.

Reference List

Beveridge, W. 1942, Social Insurance and Allied Services , His Majesty Stationery Office, London.

Carling, A. H. 1991, Social Division , Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Citizens, Advice Service 2009, Social Policy Impact Report 2009, Citizens Advice Bureau, pp. 1-15.

Department of Health 2011, Overview of Health Care Bill, pp. 1-2.

Healthcare Commission 2006, Joint Investigation into Services for People with Learning Disabilities at Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust , Commission for Healthcare Adult and Inspection. pp. 1-17.

House of Commons Information Office 2008, Parliamentary Stages of a Governmental Bill, Factsheet L1 Legislation Series. pp. 3-14.

House of Lords 2008, Bills and How They Become Law, House of Lords Briefing , pp. 2-6.

Kavanagh, D., Richards, D., Geddes, A, and Smith, M 2006, “Pressure Groups and Policy Networks”, In D Kavanagh, D Richards, A Geddes, and M Smith, British Politics . Oxford University Press, UK.

The Secretary of State for Health by Command of Her Majesty 2000, Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21 st Century. Department of Health, Britain, pp. 1-149.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 2010, 21 st Century Welfare, Department for Work and Pensions , pp. 1-52.

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Sociology and social policy.

Essays on Community, Economy, and Society

Herbert J. Gans

Columbia University Press

Pub Date: September 2017

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How good to have this exceptionally stimulating collection of essays that deploy decades of learning to probe fundamental challenges of political economy, race, and bases of identity. Written by a master sociologist in his characteristically lucid, accessible prose, these deep and compelling ruminations offer challenges to thought and action on every page. Ira Katznelson, Ruggles Professor of Political Science and History, Columbia University

These essays remind us of the balance and the wonderful clarity and compassion that inform all of Gans's work on urban and other social problems. And they remain acutely insightful and compelling at this perilous moment in American history. Frances Fox Piven, the Graduate Center, City University of New York

Herbert J. Gans is among the most original and prolific students of American urban society. For over fifty years, he has taken up some of the nation's most vexing problems—racism, poverty, immigration—writing with clarity, urgency, and keen intelligence. In my own work, I find myself going back to Gans again and again, learning something new each time. Uncompromising yet pragmatic, clear-eyed yet hopeful, this brilliant new collection of essays is essential reading. Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City

A valuable reader for undergraduate classes in urban, economic, and race sociology, as well as a book valuable to policy analysts and makers. A great contribution to the field. Deirdre Oakley, Georgia State University

Herbert Gans's well-written and compelling essays are a testament to why he is one of the world's greatest sociologists. Sociology and Social Policy is replete with insights on a wide range of topics that not only engage sociologists and other social scientists, but the general public as well. William Julius Wilson, Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor, Harvard University

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Conclusion: A Framework for Social Policy

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As stated in this book’s introduction, ‘reclaiming social policy’ is an ambitious project. It draws on different academic disciplines and takes sides in theoretical debates, particularly around the separation of economic from social-policy analysis. The project implies a call for development agencies to come out of their silos of sectoral policy, and for social development to have a stronger focus on policy reform, also because social policy can be as regressive as other forms of public policies. Finally, the book emphasizes improved understanding of the deeply political nature of development. But its ambitious nature also leads to practical suggestions.

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de Haan, A. (2007). Conclusion: A Framework for Social Policy. In: Reclaiming Social Policy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230592285_7

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Mary Louise Culpepper

How to write an effective reflective policy essay.

We seek a reflective policy essay as part of your application. Make sure yours is an effective one.

The reflective policy essay has been designed for us to learn more about your experience with real-world policy challenges, as well as your ability to learn from mistakes and to problem-solve. This written work will enable us to understand more about the professional and personal experiences that have shaped your public service passion, and to understand better what you might bring to the MPP classroom.

What is a reflective policy essay?

We are looking for essays that tackle policy and/or policy implementation problems that you have experienced.

First, we want you to briefly describe something you’ve experienced where a lack of good policy and/or implementation procedures led to bad outcomes or unintended consequences. Please be specific, and make sure we understand your personal connection to the situation. We do not want a generic, theoretical policy essay. You have 300 words for this first section.

In the next section, we would like you to analyse what went wrong and what could have been done differently. Be sure to make clear your point of view in this experience: as a public servant, a citizen, or a commentator. Remember, we want to understand how you think and learn, and what unique experiences you have had that will enrich the classroom experience for others in the diverse MPP cohort. In conclusion, we want to see concrete policy proposals that would correct the problems you identified and produce positive outcomes going forward. An excellent policy brief will consider alternatives and address barriers to implementation as well as costs. It will also bring in evidence to support your arguments. You have 1200 words for this second section.

The importance of critical thinking

This essay should demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively. It should also demonstrate your commitment to positive change and your understanding of real-world policy challenges. It is an important part of the application and we are looking forward to reading your submission!

Mary Louise Culpepper is Senior Admissions Adviser at the Blavatnik School of Government. Find out more about how to apply to the Master of Public Policy .

10 Social Policy Examples

Social policy refers to government policies aimed at meeting the needs of society. It aims to influence how society is structured and influences the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of citizens.

The primary implementation areas of social policy are:

• social security,
• employment, and
• migration (Blakemore, 2003).

Examples of social policies include raising the minimum wage , reforming marriage law, and mandating a minimum school leaving age of 16 years of age.

A government’s social policy is interwoven with the social values it aims to promote . For example:

• A social democratic government may pursue social justice reforms, resource redistribution, and increased access to healthcare.
• An economically liberal government is traditionally concerned with pursuing efficient social policies that encourage economic activity in order to raise living standards.

Social Policy Examples

Unemployment support – Raising the amount of money people earn when on unemployment benefits, or linking unemployment benefits to job applications.

Housing – Zoning laws, laws about housing standards, and rent-to-own policies are all designed to promote home ownership for the middle and working classes.

Neighborhood renewal – Local governments are often concerned with social policies linked to ensuring people have access to greenspace, entertainment, and sporting facilities.

Child and family support – Many governments will implement child support programs like childcare support programs to help families deal with cost of living pressures and encourage parents to re-enter the workforce.

Job training – Governments often implement job training programs for the unemployed to give them the skills to work. These may be free or subsidized for candidates who meet a certain criteria.

Poverty reduction – Poverty reduction policies span a gammut of housing, food security, wealth redistribution, and subsidization plans. Governments may also provide economic incentives for businesses to employ people from impoverished backgrounds.

Pension schemes – Most societies recognize the need for support services for the elderly. Often, governments mandate pension schemes like the US-based 401K to encourage people to save for their retirements.

Schooling and education – Every country makes education mandatory for the young. This social policy ensures the workforce of the future is educated and can meet the challenges of the nation’s economy.

Public health policy – Health care systems are designed to improve the overall wellbeing of the people. Without government assistance and incentives, many parts of a society may miss out.

Disability services – Disabled people have unique needs that are often met through government programs. They may, for example, mandate building accessibility for all new buildings, and provide funds for people with disabilities to retrofit their homes for their needs.

Social Policy Case Studies

1. unemployment support.

Unemployment support is the money the state pays unemployed people regularly when they search for a job.

Unemployment supports take different names, such as unemployment benefits, unemployment insurance, unemployment payment, or unemployment compensation.

It is the state’s responsibility to protect citizens when they face loss of income and the threat of poverty because of unemployment.

This protection is among the human rights recognized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) Employment Promotion and Protection Against Unemployment Convention , adopted in 1988.

There are criteria to be eligible for unemployment support. The eligibility issue has become more complex since the 1980s with the advance of globalization.

The socio-economic rationale behind the provision of this support is maintaining market and labor market stability, as well as preventing social unrest.

2.  Housing

Housing policy concerns providing adequate and affordable housing for all citizens.

A home is central to human existence, immensely impacting an individual’s and a family’s living standards in terms of physical and mental health, income security and economic chances, integration in social life, educational achievements, integration of immigrants, and community development:

“Good housing also reduces long-term costs to society in other areas such as health, education, social assistance, and employment insurance” (Carter & Polevychock, 2004).

In other words, access to safe and stable housing is a key social determinant of health .

Housing is a major policy area in a world that is rapidly urbanizing but also facing economic and ecological problems. Even in the industrialized economies of the world (Global North), there are arising challenges before the provision of housing policy.

Among these are rising housing prices, stagnating wages, demographic pressures, and declining public investment in housing.

 Although adequate housing is a human right, over 1 billion people live in slums in the Global South, missing the opportunities for an equal, healthy, safe, and decent living.

The growing social unrest in slums is the central theme in Mike Davis’ Planet of Slums , published in 2006.

3. Schooling and education

Education policy focuses on the public provision of universal education.

The development of public education indeed lies at the core of the emergence of social rights in the 19th century. The welfare state that arose after World War II provided universal education.

According to T.H. Marshall (1950), children should have equal educational opportunities to raise them to be civilized citizens able to make rational choices.

Education provides children with skills and future chances in the labor market and life. Lack of education or adequate education may cause financial insecurity.

Household poverty may be a reason for school dropouts and child labor when educational policy does not function well in coordination with other social policy dimensions.

The increasing number of private schools and the decreasing standards and investments for public schools have been challenging for general education.

This applies to colleges as well. Many students are now working and borrowing to get a degree as the tuition fees increase rapidly while public funds for college education and the number of scholarships decline.

4. Pension schemes

Pensions or pension schemes are retirement plans. During their retirement, people receive periodic payments from a fund in which money accumulates during people’s years of employment.

All workers and self-employed have the right to a pension. Pensions are meant to keep older people’s living standards up, to keep them out of poverty, and to prevent their social exclusion.

Older people, especially older women, face higher risks of poverty compared to the general population.

Older people are no longer active or are not as active in the labor market, but still need income for their living.

Pensions are the main source of income for them. In households headed by older people with children and grandchildren, benefits reach the larger family.

There is a transition, in this policy line, as well, from public-based pensions to market-based pensions (Ebbinghaus & Whiteside, 2012).

5. Poverty reduction

Poverty is a multidimensional issue. There are often class-based reasons behind it.

Poverty reduction means reducing or eradicating poverty through various policy measures. Poverty reduction requires the attention of governments, supported by civil society and international organizations.

Relief for the poor is an essential dimension of this policy.  Unemployment and housing support, decent education and health services, and pension schemes are measures to keep people out of poverty.

Economic development, social protection, political empowerment, and social participation are part of the long-term solution.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are adopted to combat extreme poverty and provide a better future for all.

Social policy is an applied social action to manage social risks and maintain a society’s social protection system. It focuses on how societies around the world provide people’s basic requirements for security, education, job, health, and prosperity.

Social policy also deals with how society responds to universal challenges such as poverty and migration, as well as social, demographic, and economic change.

It manifests itself in areas of policy intervention that vary among political systems and countries.

National governments, the family, civil society, and international organizations have a role, albeit at differing levels according to the system, in the implementation of this social action.

 Blakemore, K. (2003). Social policy: An introduction. Buckingham: Open University Press.

Carter, T., & Polevychok, C. (2004). Housing is good social policy . Canadian Policy Research Networks Incorporated. http://tdrc.net/resources/public/Report-04-12-HousingGood.pdf

Ebbinghaus, B., & Whiteside, N. (2012). Shifting responsibilities in Western European pension systems: What future for social models? Global Social Policy , 12 (3), 266-282.

Marshall, T. H. (1950). Citizenship and social class. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Popock, J. (1992). The ideal of citizenship since classical times. Queens Quarterly , 99 (1), 35–55.

Titmuss, R. (1958). Essays on ‘the welfare state’. London: Allen and Unwin.

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Welfare and Social Policy in Britain Since 1870: Essays in Honour of Jose Harris

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This collection of twelve essays reviews the history of welfare in Britain over the past 150 years, focusing on the ideas that have shaped the development of British social policy and on the thinkers who have inspired and also contested the welfare state. It thereby constructs an intellectual history of British welfare since the concept first emerged at the end of the nineteenth century. The essays divide into four sections. The first considers the transition from laissez-faire to social liberalism from the 1870s and the enduring impact of late Victorian philosophical idealism on the development of the welfare state. The second section is devoted to the concept of ‘planning’ which was at the heart of social policy and its implementation in the mid-twentieth century, but which has subsequently fallen out of favour. A third section examines the intellectual debate over the welfare state since its creation in the 1940s. A final section examines social policy and its implementation more recently, both at grass-roots level in a study of community action in west London in the districts made infamous by the fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017, and at a systemic level where different models of welfare provision are shown to be in uneasy co-existence today. The collection is a tribute to Jose Harris, emeritus professor of history in the University of Oxford and a pioneer of the intellectual history of social policy. Taken together these essays conduct the reader through the key phases and debates in the history of British welfare.

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Essay On Social Issues

500 words essay on social issues.

Social Issues is an undesirable state which opposes society or a certain part of society. It refers to an unwanted situation that frequently results in problems and continues to harm society . Social issues can cause a lot of problems that can be beyond the control of just one person. Through an essay on social issues, we will learn why they are harmful and what types of social issues we face.

Drawbacks of Social Issues

Social issues have a lot of drawbacks that harms our society. They are situations that have an adverse and damaging result on our society. They arise when the public leaves nature or society from an ideal situation.

If you look closely, you will realize that almost all types of social issues have common origins. In the sense that they all are interconnected somehow. Meaning to say, if one solves the other one is also most likely to resolve.

Social issues have a massive lousy effect on our society and ultimately, it affects all of us. In order to solve some social issues, we need a common approach. No society is free from social issues, almost every one of them has some social issue or the other.

For instance, in India, you will find a lot of social issues which the country is facing. It ranges from the caste system to child labour and gender inequality to religious conflicts. Thus, we are going through a critical time where we all must come together to free our society from undesirable social evils.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Major Social Issues

There are a lot of social issues we are facing right now, some more prominent than the others. First of all, poverty is a worldwide issue. It gives birth to a lot of other social issues which we must try to get away with at the earliest.

Further, countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and more are facing the issue of the caste system since times unknown. It results in a lot of caste violence and inequality which takes the lives of many on a daily basis.

Moreover, child labour is another major social issue that damages the lives of young children. Similarly, illiteracy also ruins the lives of many by destroying their chances of a bright future.

In developing countries mostly, child marriage still exists and is responsible for ruining many lives. Similarly, dowry is a very serious and common social issue that almost all classes of people partake in.

Another prominent social issue is gender inequality which takes away many opportunities from deserving people. Domestic violence especially against women is a serious social issue we must all fight against.

Other social issues include starvation, child sex abuse, religious conflicts, child trafficking, terrorism , overpopulation, untouchability, communalism and many more. It is high time we end these social issues.

Conclusion of the Essay on Social Issues

A society can successfully end social issues if they become adamant. These social issues act as a barrier to the progress of society. Thus, we must all come together to fight against them and put them to an end for the greater good.

FAQ on Essay on Social Issues

Question 1: What is the meaning of social problem?

Answer 1: A social problem refers to any condition or behaviour which has a negative impact on a large number of people. It is normally recognized as a condition or behaviour that needs to be addressed.

Question 2: What are the effects of social issues?

Answer 2: Social issues affect our society adversely. Most importantly, it disturbs the harmony of society and gives rise to hostility and suspicion. Moreover, it creates large-scale social dissatisfaction, suffering and misery.

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How Daily Stress Affects your Heart Health

This essay about the impact of stress on heart health explores how chronic stress triggers hormonal changes that adversely affect cardiovascular function. It highlights the direct consequences of prolonged stress, such as increased blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which elevate the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the essay discusses how stress influences lifestyle choices that can further harm heart health, like poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. It also touches on the role of chronic inflammation under stress, which contributes to the deterioration of arterial health. Solutions for managing stress, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and maintaining strong social connections, are outlined as effective strategies to mitigate these risks. Overall, the essay emphasizes the importance of managing stress to protect heart health, suggesting practical ways to alleviate stress and its harmful impacts on the cardiovascular system.

How it works

It’s no secret that the fast pace of modern life often brings a fair share of stress. Whether it’s the hustle of meeting tight deadlines, managing household responsibilities, or navigating complex social relationships, stress seems to shadow much of our daily routines. What might not be so apparent, however, is the profound impact this stress can have on our heart health.

When we’re stressed, our body reacts by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones kick-start the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response, gearing us up for immediate action.

This natural survival mechanism can be lifesaving in acute situations, but when triggered too often—thanks to chronic stress—it can wear down our body, particularly our cardiovascular system.

Chronic stress leads to continuous high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which are tough on the heart and arteries. Consistently high blood pressure from prolonged stress can damage the arterial walls, which may lead to heart disease. As these walls thicken and harden, conditions like atherosclerosis decrease arterial flexibility, dramatically increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Stress doesn’t just wreak havoc on our bodies directly. It also influences our lifestyle choices. For many, stress is a gateway to picking up or continuing unhealthy habits—smoking, reaching for a drink, or indulging in junk food. While these may offer temporary relief, they come with a host of health issues, including weight gain, higher cholesterol levels, and increased blood sugar levels, all of which stress the heart even more.

Furthermore, chronic stress affects the way our body handles inflammation, a leading player in heart disease. Under stress, inflammatory responses can go into overdrive, accelerating the buildup of plaque in our arteries. Moreover, the constant rush of stress hormones can make the heart pump faster and harder, which over time can change the heart muscle itself.

Thankfully, there are effective ways to mitigate the impact of stress on our heart. Exercise, for example, is a fantastic stress reliever. It not only helps control weight and reduce blood pressure but also triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as mood lifters and painkillers.

Mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can also help calm the mind and reduce stress. These activities help shift the body from stress responses to relaxation responses, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and promoting overall heart health.

Social connections also play a crucial role in stress management. A robust social network can offer emotional support, reduce loneliness, and help manage stress more effectively. Keeping in touch with friends and family, participating in community activities, or even getting professional counseling can provide the support needed to manage stress.

To wrap it up, while stress is a natural part of life, managing it effectively is key to maintaining a healthy heart. By understanding how stress affects heart health and adopting strategies to cope, we can protect ourselves from the serious risks associated with heart disease. Taking active steps to reduce stress is not merely about feeling better—it’s about fostering a healthier, stronger heart.

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How Daily Stress Affects Your Heart Health. (2024, May 12). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/how-daily-stress-affects-your-heart-health/

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"How Daily Stress Affects Your Heart Health," PapersOwl.com , 12-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/how-daily-stress-affects-your-heart-health/. [Accessed: 16-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). How Daily Stress Affects Your Heart Health . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/how-daily-stress-affects-your-heart-health/ [Accessed: 16-May-2024]

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