Books that analyze current or historical societal problems, such as inequality, poverty, racism, or gender issues.
Poverty and Inequality: Understanding the root causes of poverty and inequality, and their impact on individuals, societies, and global systems.
Race and Ethnicity: Exploring the complexities of race and ethnicity, including their impact on identity, social relations, and systemic discrimination.
Gender and Sexuality: Understanding the ways in which gender and sexuality shape our experiences, relationships, and the institutions of society.
Immigration and Migration: Examining the causes, consequences, and controversies surrounding immigration and migration, including policy debates and human rights issues.
Education and Access: Understanding the importance of education as a means of opportunity and social mobility, and the barriers that prevent access for some individuals and communities.
Health and Wellness: Examining the social determinants of health and wellness, such as access to healthcare, environmental factors, and socio-economic status.
Media and Communication: Analyzing the role of media and communication in shaping public opinion, attitudes, and policy, and the impact of these forces on social issues.
Politics and Power: Understanding the mechanisms of power and governance, and their impact on social issues, such as corruption, human rights abuses, and inequality.
Environment and Sustainability: Examining the impact of human activity on the environment, and exploring solutions to promote sustainability and environmental justice.
Crime and Justice: Analyzing the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and prisons, and the impact on individuals and communities, including issues of mass incarceration and police brutality.
Poverty: A state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; it affects basic needs such as food, shelter, health, and education.
Homelessness: A person or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or someone who resides in a shelter supporting homeless individuals.
Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on a person's race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, age or religion.
Racism: Prejudice or discrimination against individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity.
Sexism: Discrimination or bias based on a person's gender, often leading to unequal pay or lack of opportunities for women.
Inequality: The state of being unequal in different aspects of life, such as income, education, and health care.
Human rights violations: Violations that occur when basic human rights are not respected, such as the right to life, freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination.
Environmental issues: The degradation of the environment, including pollution, climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
Healthcare disparity: The unequal distribution of healthcare services and resources among different populations.
Substance abuse: The excessive use or misuse of drugs, alcohol, or other substances, leading to physical and mental health problems.
Crime: Illegal activities that harm individuals or society, including theft, assault, and organized crime.
Child abuse: Physical, sexual, or emotional harm or neglect of a child by a parent, caregiver, or other adult.
Domestic violence: Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse of a partner or household member.
Elderly care issues: The mistreatment of elderly individuals, including neglect, abuse or financial exploitation.