What is a social issue?

Considers that social issues can no longer be isolated as a separate category of applied work in social science. Once it is acknowledged that few activities in either hard or soft science do not have an immediate or potential impact on the welfare of substantial numbers of people, the question becomes: "What is not a social issue?" After elaborating this theme with examples drawn from current problem areas, models for relevant activity proposed by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and by the Psychologists for Social Action are discussed. Critical analysis of both models suggests that despite differences between them (the former is largely information oriented while the latter is oriented toward advocacy) they ultimately face similar conceptual and political dilemmas. These include (a) the absence of generic criteria for issues, (b) the absence of a fundamental agenda, and (c) confusion over instrumentalities for action. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)