UNited states
prison demographics
Examining disparities within California and Texas prison systems by analyzing the influence of race, age, gender, and citizenship.
Considering the relationship between overcrowding in correctional facilities, conviction status of imprisoned people, and mass incarceration.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.
What is the correlation between race, gender, age, and citizenship of incarcerated people in California and Texas prison systems?
2.
How does mass incarceration impact crowding and convictions in California and Texas prison populations?
Timeline of the Rise of the Modern American Prison System
The U.S. prison system emerged in the 19th century, evolving from early rehabilitation focused institutions to a system marked by mass incarceration, harsh sentencing laws, and privatization. Today, we are facing the reality of a system founded on racial disparity and the resulting need for criminal justice reform.