I have to write an essay on A Raisin in the Sun. The question is as follows: The play was written and produced over 40 years ago. To what extent do you think that conflicts and issues presented in the play are still relevant to students?

The play was written and first performed about 60 years ago, in 1959. While many changes have affected United States race relations—including the passage of federal civil rights legislation—racist ideologies and behavior still restrict opportunities for African Americans. Segregation in housing is illegal, but de facto segregation is still common; many Americans grow up in homogeneous neighborhoods, and black families moving into white enclaves might not be cordially welcomed.
The class and race associations of characters such as George in contrast to Joseph also apply. George is concerned with material success, which he thinks requires assimilating to tastes promoted by whites. However, Beneatha is drawn to Joseph Asagai because she wants to connect with her African heritage, which has been an increasing concern in the last few decades. The impact of young Africans studying in the United States has also been strong—at the same time that this play is set, President Obama's father came to the United States for college.
While many more African American women do study medicine as Beneatha wanted to, college costs have skyrocketed, keeping higher education out of reach for many.