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Mass Incarceration, Macrosociology, and the Poor

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  • Bruce Western
  • Christopher Muller

Abstract

The U.S. prison and jail population has grown fivefold in the 40 years since the early 1970s. The aggregate consequences of the growth in the penal system are widely claimed but have not been closely studied. We survey evidence for the aggregate relationship among the incarceration rate, employment rates, single-parenthood, public opinion, and crime. Employment among very low-skilled men has declined with rising incarceration. Punitive sentiment in public opinion has also softened as imprisonment increased. Single-parenthood and crime rates, however, are not systematically related to incarceration. We conclude with a discussion of the conceptual and empirical challenges that come with assessing the aggregate effects of mass incarceration on American poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce Western & Christopher Muller, 2013. "Mass Incarceration, Macrosociology, and the Poor," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 647(1), pages 166-189, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:647:y:2013:i:1:p:166-189
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716213475421
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Carbonaro, Richard, 2022. "System avoidance and social isolation: Mechanisms connecting police contact and deleterious health outcomes," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).

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