What is the difference between a social issue and a social problem? 

Actually they’re both the same depending upon the mindset of who’s asking the question.

Explanation:

A social issue is one that concerns a large number of people, many of whom have different views on what’s at stake and how to alleviate the problem. A social problem is generally one that’s received a lot more publicity and exposure and therefore generates a larger and often nastier response from those who care to respond. So basically the difference between the two is the amount of publicity they generate.