Behind Bars: An Analysis of the Incarceration of Black Americans

Authors

Tommy A. Valente, Harding UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2024

Subject Area

Section 4: Kings, Courts, and Crime

Abstract

In this study, I attempt to explain the disproportionate incarceration rates which exist in the United States. The black American are incarcerated at a significantly higher rate than any other ethnic group in the country. I hypothesize single parent households and poor public education systems will have significant influences on incarceration rates. For this study I run an OLS regression and use data from all fifty states between 2019-2020. I use seven independent variables in this study: ACGR score, GDP per capita, unemployment rate, percent of births to unmarried women, homicide rate, population, and political party affiliation of a state. I argue improvements in the public education system will cause black American incarceration rates to decrease. The ACGR score of a state is statistically significant in relation to the black American incarceration rate in my model.

About the Author

Tommy Valente is a political science major from Mount Dora, FL. He plans to move back to Florida and attend law school and pursue a legal career. He has also been a member of the Harding cross country and track & field team for four years.