Currently, I am studying social problems at Kirkwood Community College, where I have learned about various challenges that communities face today. One of the key issues that stand out is the difficulties experienced by new immigrants, particularly their lack of understanding about the laws, culture and customs of their new country.
As part of my coursework, Professor Jeff Sherman assigned me a project that required 25 hours of voluntary work to better understand the role of volunteering in addressing social issues. I chose to spend my volunteer hours with the Sudanese Association League in BayWa City, a community-based organization that serves immigrants.
This experience allowed me to learn firsthand about the many problems faced by new immigrants, including their lack of legal awareness.
For example, many immigrants are unaware of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. This can lead to serious consequences, such as accidents that cause harm to the driver or others. Legal education is crucial, and raising awareness through volunteer efforts could help prevent such dangerous behaviors and reduce the risk of traffic-related incidents.
Cultural differences also pose significant challenges for immigrants. For instance, many immigrants coming from countries with different gender norms may not understand laws in the United States strongly protect women’s rights. Actions that may not be considered crimes in their home countries—such as domestic violence or gender-based discrimination—can lead to severe legal consequences in the U.S.
Unfortunately, many immigrants end up incarcerated because they are unaware of these legal protections. They often act based on the norms of their home countries, not realizing that certain behaviors are crimes in their new environment.
In my studies, I have come to define a social problem as a negative situation or behavior that affects a large portion of society and requires intervention. Through research and reflection, I have identified poverty and unemployment as two of the most pressing social problems in the U.S. These issues often lead to other significant challenges, such as school dropout rates, neglect and social alienation.
During a class discussion, my classmate Jackson Arndt summarized an important point regarding poverty in the United States. He argued that poverty creates a stark difference in life opportunities between those in high-income groups and those in lower-income groups.
The U.S. is often seen as a land of opportunity, but for many, social mobility is very limited. Jackson explained that the opportunities for upward mobility in America are constrained, especially for the middle and lower classes, while the wealthier upper class continues to have greater access to resources and opportunities. As a result, the lower 20% of the population faces significant barriers to improving their circumstances.
Even though America offers jobs and educational opportunities, poverty continues to rise. One reason for this, as noted by my classmate Anva, is that many individuals depend on government assistance instead of seeking employment. This creates a cycle of dependency, which in turn limits the potential for economic mobility.
Additionally, issues such as LGBTQ+ rights have also become significant social problems, as debates over these issues continue to divide society. This shows that social issues often do not have quick or easy resolutions, and the struggle for rights is far from over.
Alcohol and drug abuse, especially among young people, is an increasing concern. The negative effects often lead to school dropouts, criminal behavior and an overall decline in quality of life.
In response to this issue, the Sudanese Association League is currently running an awareness campaign aimed at educating immigrants about the dangers of drug use in the U.S. The goal is to prevent individuals from falling into destructive patterns of addiction that could destroy their lives and future prospects. Education and prevention are key to addressing this social issue.
Additionally, Iowa City is facing significant social problems related to housing and traffic congestion. The growing population in the area has led to a shortage of rental properties, making it difficult for residents to find affordable housing. Traffic congestion has also become a serious issue as more people move to Iowa, leading to longer commute times and increased stress on local infrastructure.
In conclusion, the social problems affecting Iowa and the broader U.S. are diverse and interconnected. From the struggles faced by immigrants adjusting to life in a new country to systemic issues like poverty, substance abuse and inadequate housing, the challenges are many.
However, the solution lies in prevention. Through education, volunteering and proactive community involvement, we can address these issues before they escalate. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
By raising awareness, providing resources and offering support, we can create a healthier, more informed society for future generations.
Categories: Contributed, Opinion
