CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

by Ashley Nicole

The criminal justice system in the United States is highly complex, and includes both the activities of law enforcement officers as well as court proceedings. Often, social and economic factors come into play in the arrests, trials, and rehabilitation of Americans, and many people recognize that there are problems with the system. This book explores whether bias based on race, sexuality, gender, and/or socio-economic status exists in the courtroom and in law enforcement, and discusses the pros and cons of the death penalty and criminal justice reform. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Ashley Nicole

Each year, more than 56 million students attend elementary or secondary schools in the United States, while another 20 million are enrolled in institutions of higher education. Education reform advocates consistently look for new ways to improve the nation’s school systems, but the road ahead presents many challenges. This book explores major issues in education today, including the pros and cons of the Common Core curriculum, the benefits of charter schools, and the effectiveness of standardized testing.The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Mark R. Whittington

The feminist and political activist Gloria Steinem once declared, “A gender-equal society would be one where the word 'gender' does not exist: where everyone can be themselves.” This book explores major issues related to gender equality in the United States today, including legislation that would guarantee equal pay, changing attitudes toward sexual harassment, the challenging debate over abortion and reproductive rights, and the efficacy of strategies that would close the gap between male and female students in STEM education. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Jim Gallagher

Historically, gun ownership has always held an important place in American culture. Today, Americans own more than 360 million guns, and many view firearms as a symbol of self-reliance and a critical defense against the threat of government tyranny. Others, however, are concerned about the high rate of gun violence in the United States, particularly the rising number of mass shootings and school shootings. Americans are deeply divided over the best response to the issue of gun control. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Mark R. Whittington

Medical science has made amazing advances in recent years. New treatments for diseases and advances in genetics have made it possible for Americans to live longer, healthier lives. However, these medical advances have been accompanied by a huge increase in the cost of healthcare, which has made it unaffordable to many Americans. This book explores major issues in health care today, including the pros and cons of the single-payer health care system, the legalization of medical marijuana, and price controls on pharmaceuticals. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Heather Pidcock-Reed

For nearly 250 years, the United States has been a place of refuge for immigrants from war-torn or poverty stricken countries in order to create better lives for themselves and their families. The history of American immigration shows that these people and their descendants have contributed greatly to American society. However, immigrant groups have often had to overcome hostility and distrust as they assimilated into the United States. This book discusses some of the major issues of American immigration today. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Mark R. Whittington

No matter what their political affiliation, government leaders and public policy experts agree that they want Americans to work and for the national economy to grow at a healthy and sustainable rate. However, the experts often disagree considerably about the best ways to achieve these goals: through free markets, or through greater government control over industry. The essays in this book provide some insights into the pros and cons of various economic strategies and approaches. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Michelle Dakota Beck

Mental health issues have been part of life as long as human beings have existed. Like physical illnesses, mental health problems can strike anyone at any time. But mental illnesses are not discussed openly in the same way as physical health problems, because of the stigma surrounding them. Understanding mental health is the key to talking about it openly, and having open conversations can help people with mental illness live happier, more fulfilling lives. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Ashley Nicole

According to current statistics, about 40 million Americans currently live in poverty. These individuals face many challenges, from an inability to afford food and shelter to greater health problems due to lack of proper care and nutrition. The US government provides a variety of programs to help the poorest Americans. Yet people are divided on the best ways to address this social problem. The merits and drawbacks of various approaches are discussed in this book. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Ashley Nicole

Social media facilitates the creation and sharing of information and ideas online, through electronic devices like smart phones, laptops, personal computers, or tablets. Today, an estimated 2.8 billion people around the world use social media networks such as Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, or Instagram to engage with friends, family members, and even strangers. Yet, the growing role of social media in everyday life has raised challenging questions about privacy, advertising, and the effect on young people that are addressed in this book. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Erica Burton

The United States has a long and difficult history of race relations. Although slavery was ended after the American Civil War in 1865, its legacy continues today in education, employment, housing, and the criminal justice system. This book examines the roles that society and government could play in changing attitudes toward race and creating a country where people are judged on the content of their character, rather than the color of their skin. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by James Jordan

The United States was founded, in part, on religious freedom—the idea that government should not be involved in the ways that people worship their deity or practice their religion. However, because historically most Americans belonged to Christian denominations, often religious symbols were incorporated into public buildings and government activities. In recent years, however, the legitimacy of these symbols has been challenged in the courts. The essays in this book examine major issues related to religious freedom today. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Heather Pidcock-Reed

More than 7 billion people live on Earth today, so making sure that the planet remains habitable and hospitable for our species is of vital importance. Yet, many scientists are concerned that human activity—from water and air pollution to the emission of greenhouse gases that affect the climate—threatens the stability of the environment. This book examines differing viewpoints on how to best protect our environment and utilize the earth’s natural resources. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.