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Race Crime And Finding Work In An Era Of Mass Incarceration

Elias Mitchell

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Published in Marked: Race Crime And Finding Work In An Era Of Mass Incarceration

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Marked: Race, Crime, and Finding Work in an Era of Mass Incarceration

by Devah Pager

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2691 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The United States is in the midst of a mass incarceration crisis. The number of people behind bars has skyrocketed over the past few decades, and the vast majority of those incarcerated are people of color. This has had a devastating impact on communities of color, and it has also made it harder for people with criminal records to find work.

In this book, sociologist Devah Pager examines the intersection of race, crime, and employment in the wake of mass incarceration. She draws on interviews with employers, formerly incarcerated people, and community leaders to provide a comprehensive analysis of the barriers that people with criminal records face when they try to find work.

Key Findings

Pager's research reveals that people with criminal records face significant discrimination in the labor market. Employers are more likely to reject applications from people with criminal records, even if they are qualified for the job. This discrimination is particularly acute for people of color, who are more likely to be arrested and convicted of crimes than white people.

Pager also finds that the stigma of a criminal record can make it difficult for people to find work even if they are not directly discriminated against. Employers may be reluctant to hire someone with a criminal record because they fear that they will be a liability. This stigma can also lead to social isolation and economic hardship.

Policy Recommendations

Pager's research has important implications for policy. She argues that we need to do more to address the root causes of crime and mass incarceration. She also calls for policies that will make it easier for people with criminal records to find work. These policies could include:

Expanding access to job training and placement programs for people with criminal records.
Providing financial assistance to people with criminal records who are looking for work.
Enacting laws that prohibit discrimination against people with criminal records.

Race Crime And Finding Work In An Era Of Mass Incarceration is a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the intersection of race, crime, and employment. Pager's research provides a valuable resource for policymakers, advocates, and anyone who is interested in understanding the impact of mass incarceration on communities of color.

About the Author

Devah Pager is a professor of sociology at Harvard University. She is the author of several books, including Marked: Race, Crime, and Finding Work in an Era of Mass Incarceration.

Reviews

"Race Crime And Finding Work In An Era Of Mass Incarceration is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the impact of mass incarceration on communities of color."

- Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow

"Pager's research is groundbreaking and essential reading for anyone who is interested in the intersection of race, crime, and employment."

- Bruce Western, author of Punishment and Inequality in America

Marked: Race, Crime, and Finding Work in an Era of Mass Incarceration

by Devah Pager

4.6 out of 5