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

Mass incarceration is on the rise, with education level being a strong predisposition indicator. A quantitative approach and survey method will be used to understand the correlations between the two social challenges. This research proposal is expected to reveal how education level significantly determines the probability of a person becoming incarcerated in California. A significant gap exists in understanding the intersectionality between education and mass incarceration. Intersectionality is a theory proposed by Kimberlie Crenshaw that discusses how people’s identities do not only stack on top, but also intersect to cause unique barriers. For example, Black women’s experiences with employment due to their barriers to childcare and Black historical traditions of unpaid labor. While studies show that certain racial groups are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration, less research explores how educational disparities contribute to this overrepresentation. The significance of this proposal is directly related to our understanding of this research topic and how, without attention, it will continue to negatively impact families, communities, and trust in our criminal justice system. There is a need for more research on the effectiveness of postsecondary educational programs in preventing initial incarceration.

Download

  Contact Author

Share

COinS