SOC 3810

Mass Incarceration and Social Inequality in America

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

In this course we will explore the origins and consequences of mass incarceration- extraordinarily high incarceration rates within particular demographic groups above and beyond historical levels in the United States. We will examine theories of social control and deviance to uncover how institutions and individuals use power to shape societies. This course also engages theories of state power to understand and to analyze how labeling is deployed to control groups of people, and, in doing so, we will conduct a genealogy of a contemporary driver of social inequality: the prison industrial complex. Current policy debates around the movement to reduce the number of men and women in American jails and prisons will also be covered. Contemporary social problems like homelessness and food insecurity will be discussed in detail, as well as how mass incarceration contributes to growing gaps in labor force participation, wealth accumulation, and familial instability.

When Offered Spring.

Distribution Category (HA-HE, D-HE, KCM-HE)

• Recall contemporary debates and recent scholarly advancements on the topic of mass incarceration.
• Explain and apply core theories and findings that demonstrate your comprehension and application of course material.
• Compare and contrast different explanations of mass incarceration and the observed consequences therein.
• Synthesize and evaluate scholarly material that reflects your knowledge and understanding of core course concepts and research findings.

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