Social Issues in First-World Nations

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Food Prices
Housing Crisis
Healthcare Issues
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

While the quality of life in first-world countries is significantly better than in developing nations, there is still a large number of social issues that obstruct comfortable living. For instance, the increasing food prices, housing crises, and issues in healthcare remain relevant topics in contemporary societies. There is no single solution to these problems, especially as the world keeps encountering global threats, such as pandemics and wars. However, if governments develop efficient and human-centered policies, it is possible to address a large number of risks. The current paper thoroughly examines some of the most relevant social issues in first-world nations and proposes recommendations on how to mitigate these problems in the long term.

Food Prices

Food is a physical necessity, and first-world nations are generally in a good position since they are not at immediate risk of hunger or starvation. Nevertheless, the recent global threats have caused an international food crisis, and the prices are going to rise around the world. For instance, in the United States, experts have estimated a nearly 11% price increase from 2021 to 2022 (Smith and Bailie). It occurred due to natural inflation and other aggravating factors, and this situation is likely to escalate even further in the future. Furthermore, the climate continually worsens, and experts predict more droughts and natural disasters that will impair agricultural industries globally.

As mentioned before, there is no single solution to increasing food prices because it is a global problem that emerges due to various factors. However, there are several general recommendations that can help mitigate these problems. The first solution concerns the efforts of governments that should cooperate to prevent wars and establish mutually productive communication. In other words, efficient export and import of food are essential to offer a large variety of products at an accessible price (Smith and Bailie). Next, individuals can mitigate the problem by putting effort into climate preservation. For instance, the United Nations recommends people in first-world countries switch to sustainable alternatives in their lives (“The UN Campaign”). Saving energy, no food waste, recycling, and using public transport instead of personal vehicles can have a notable impact on climate change (“The UN Campaign”). As a result, even small contributions from individuals can have a long-term impact on environmental preservation and prevent a food crisis to some extent.

Housing Crisis

The housing crisis is another relevant issue that many first-world countries face in the 2020s. This problem occurs globally, affecting the United States, Canada, and multiple countries in Oceania and Asia. According to the research, the average price for a house in Canada is nearly ten times higher than the average annual household income (Stokel-Walker). Considering other spending, it is almost impossible to buy property without selling a house first, and this crisis affects millions of people across first-world nations.

Experts suggest that affected countries should learn from some of the unique first-world nations that were able to overcome the housing crisis. One such example is Japan, which is continually ranked among the first-world countries with the most accessible housing and the most significant satisfaction levels concerning property (Stokel-Walker). The difference between Japan and most affected nations concerns the regulations on renting and the construction of new houses. Tenants have more rights, and it is relatively easy for companies to build and re-build homes, shifting the supply and demand for housing (Stokel-Walker). However, experts also note that this approach is less profitable for landowners who might obstruct the change process to maintain profits through housing investments.

Healthcare Issues

The third social issue that affects a large number of first-world countries is the quality and accessibility of healthcare. In this discussion, one of the most significant points is the lack of care for low-income families, minorities, and indigenous peoples. For instance, the United Nations reports that the difference in an average lifespan of an indigenous and non-indigenous person in Canada is seventeen years (“Health”). Other first-world countries have similar tendencies for racial minorities and families that struggle with finances. In this sense, socioeconomic factors play a critical role, and many people cannot access healthcare services. One recommendation to resolve this issue is continual improvement in terms of wealth equality, supportive policies for low-income families, and enhancement of healthcare systems. However, it is a highly challenging and acute problem that requires the cooperation of governments, organizations, and individuals. A gradual change is necessary to make a visible positive change in this problem, and it is critical to continue discussing such issues to find new solutions and improve healthcare accessibility in the long term.

Conclusion

The current paper has thoroughly examined three of the most relevant social issues in first-world countries – increasing food prices, the housing crisis, and the insufficient accessibility of healthcare. There is no single solution to these problems, and multiple causes, such as pandemics and wars, are particularly challenging to prevent. However, it is possible to make a gradual positive change through the cooperation of governments and individuals. In summary, government policies, personal efforts to preserve climate, behavior change from consumerism habits, and more attention to issues of vulnerable groups are excellent initiatives that contribute to a better world.