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Incarceration as a Fundamental Social Cause of Health Inequalities: Jails, Prisons and Vulnerability to COVID-19
[‘Flattening the Curve for Incarcerated Populations—Covid-19 in Jails and Prisons’]

Author

Listed:
  • Meghan A Novisky
  • Kathryn M Nowotny
  • Dylan B Jackson
  • Alexander Testa
  • Michael G Vaughn

Abstract

Although research has established the disproportionate health burdens among incarcerated persons, the literature has yet to identify a theoretical framework for outlining the harms of incarceration associated with pandemics. We advance the literature theoretically by arguing two points. First, we assert that incarceration is a potent structural driver of health inequalities that must be considered as a fundamental social cause of disease. To underscore this point, we review how incarceration meets each of the four fundamental social cause criteria originally proposed by Link and Phelan. Second, given that incarceration is a fundamental social cause of disease, both currently and formerly incarcerated populations are likely to face heightened vulnerabilities to pandemics, including COVID-19, further exacerbating health disparities among incarceration-exposed groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Meghan A Novisky & Kathryn M Nowotny & Dylan B Jackson & Alexander Testa & Michael G Vaughn, 2021. "Incarceration as a Fundamental Social Cause of Health Inequalities: Jails, Prisons and Vulnerability to COVID-19 [‘Flattening the Curve for Incarcerated Populations—Covid-19 in Jails and Prisons’]," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 61(6), pages 1630-1646.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:crimin:v:61:y:2021:i:6:p:1630-1646.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Fahmy, Chantal & Mitchell, Meghan M., 2022. "Examining recidivism during reentry: Proposing a holistic model of health and wellbeing," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    2. Semenza, Daniel C. & Silver, Ian A., 2022. "Stuck in the cycle? Assessing a reciprocal model of incarceration, health, and relative risk over twenty-five years," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).

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