What is an issue?

DifferentiatingCategorizing

Defining Scope CGW4U Percy

An issue can be defined as…

• At your table, develop a definition for the term “issue”. Write it on your white board.

• Consider how an issue is similar to and different from a problem

An issue can be defined as:

• a complex, multi-faceted problem that requires a solution • Having interrelated economic, socio-

cultural, political and environmental components• involves many stakeholders with differing

points of view • controversial

PROBLEM

A problem is usually smaller than an issue. Although problems require a solution – problems don’t necessarily involve different viewpoints or a disagreement on how to solve it.

ISSUE

An issue is a complex problem also requiring a solution. Issues have many different stakeholders involved, involves a dispute and becomes a matter of concern to many people.

A problem versus an issue

PROBLEM My dog is sick.

Sophie didn’t do her homework

Alabama Boy, 5, held hostage

ISSUEAnimal abuse in the United States.

Sophie can’t go to school because she may be killed by the Taliban.

Gun control in the USA

A problem versus an issue

Problem or Issue?

1. HIV/AIDS in Africa2. Oil spill near a local riverbed 3. Displaced people in Sudan 4. Global Warming 5. Gators escaping from a local zoo6. Child soldiers in the Middle East and

Africa7. Blood diamonds8. The kidney trade in India

Issues are CIC…

Complex • There are no simple answers • There are many cause and effect relationships • There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the

issue

Interrelated • Causes are interrelated • Implications are widespread

Controversial • There will be many differences in opinion on how these

problems started and how they should be solved due to the number of passionate stakeholders.

Categorizing Issues• In Geography, we group issues into 5

major categories

• Economic• Social• Cultural• Political• Environmental

• Can issues fit into multiple categories?

Economic Issues:• Economic issues emerge

around production, distribution, and consumption of wealth

• Examples?

Environmental Issues• Environmental issues that

arise when humans impact natural systems

• Examples?

Social Issues• Social issues arise as a

result of healthcare, education, law, gender issues or other societal issues

Cultural Issues• Cultural issues address

interactions among and within cultural groups/communities

• Examples?

Political Issues• Political issues involve

disputes within and between nations

• Examples?

Today’s World Issues• In your group, create a popplet

that identifies major issues facing humanity today

• Colour code your popplet to differentiate between the 5 types of issues

• Now identify the scope of the issues.

• Local• National• Regional• InternationalShare your popplet with Me!leah.percy@gapps.yrdsb.ca

Connect it!• Insert lines between the issues

that are somehow connected.

• E.g. Poverty ---------Hunger

• Make as many connections as possible

• Examining your popplet, how do you feel about the state of the world?

• Anxious?• Hopeful?• Sad?• Overwhelmed?• Intrigued?• Depressed?• All of the above?

We cannot solve all the world’s problems, but what if…

• Cover the term “poverty” on your popplet. How many other popplets are connected to it directly and indirectly?

• What can this reveal about how we address world issues?

• There is hope! • Change IS possible• One step at a time.

• Lost Generation