Contemporary issues

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 Pro-Con series is to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays 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 to reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

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 Pro-Con series is to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays 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 to reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

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 Pro-Con series is to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays 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 to reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

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 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.

Examines different questions about gun control in the United States focusing on can school/mass shootings be prevented, should additional gun control laws be enacted, is open carry in public a problem, and more.

In a pro-con format, explores issues surrounding immigration in the United States.

In a pro-con format, explores issues surrounding gender equality including equal pay legislation, sexual harassment, reproductive rights, and the gap between male and female students in STEM education.

This book explores major issues in education, including the pros and cons of the Common Core curriculum, the benefits of charter schools, and the effectiveness of standardized testing.

A collection of fifteen essays in which a variety of authors examine the philosophical and public policy debates over the issue of affirmative action.