Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Loveland, Emily

Abstract

Racial disparities in incarceration rates within the United States have existed for decades. This paper will examine these disparities in order to understand how Black individuals and communities are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. By exploring historical and systemic factors that have contributed to these disparities such as structural racism, discriminatory policing, and unequal sentencing policies this research will highlight how these practices have reinforced racial inequality within the criminal justice system. The significance of the presenting issue will be explored by analyzing how these disparities affect the incarcerated individual and their family and community. Using a mixed method research design that included the analysis of historical records, political documents, criminal justice statistics, with qualitative interviews. The researcher will conduct semi-structured interviews with both formerly incarcerated Black individuals and members of the Black community that have been affected by these racial disparities. Using quantitative data to identify patterns in incarceration rates and qualitative interview data to identify commonalities amongst these lived experiences will allow the researcher to better understand how systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system disproportionately affect Black individuals and their communities. The findings from this research will contribute to social work practice by promoting advocacy and criminal justice reform, and promoting culturally responsive interventions addressing systemic racial inequality.

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