Although the issue is not even close to being resolved, the United States has, in recent years, made some noticeable progress on the issue of racial disparity in our criminal justice system. Regardless of what research method you choose, the number of Black individuals incarcerated is highly disproportionate to the overall population. Research does show, however, that progress is being made. 

There has been a notable decrease in the number of drug arrests and drug-related incarcerations among Black individuals, as opposed to other ethnic groups. As noted by researchers Beckett and Brydolf-Horwitz, “the main change that has occurred [between 2007 and 2018] is the decline in the Black share of arrests and imprisonments.” This could be due to support for reformed drug policy increasing more in urban areas than in the more White-dominated rural areas.

In their research, Robey, Massoglia, and Light estimate that the expected incarceration rate of Black men born in 2001 has fallen more than 40% over the incarceration rate of Black men born in 1981. Although this indicates significant progress, there is no assurance that this progress will continue. The fact that young Black men showed the most significant change does, however, indicate that the incarceration rate could continue to decrease.

In research updated through 2019, Muller and Roehrkasse noted a substantial decrease in the incarceration rate of Black individuals for drug and property offenses (no reduction in violent crimes). Also noted was a substantial increase in the incarceration rate of White individuals for drug offenses, property offenses, and violent offenses.

Light found a significant reduction in the sentencing disparity between Black individuals and White individuals in the federal system. Between 2009 and 2018, the gap in sentences handed down by federal courts was reduced by more than 83% for most offenses and reduced by approximately 100% for drug-related offenses.

Racial inequality has decreased considerably as a factor in the incarceration rate in U.S. prisons. Muller and Roehrkasse found that racial inequality in prison admissions peaked in 2000 and has steadily declined since. 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the jail incarceration rate has decreased by more than 10% between 2019 and 2023. However, the jail incarceration rate of non-Hispanic Whites has remained steady at approximately 47%.

Class disparity has always been a factor. It is only now becoming clear as a dominating factor in the criminal justice system. Past research has shown a negative connection between unemployment and incarceration. As the U.S. sees a significant reduction in racial disparity, within the criminal justice system, the issue of class disparity becomes far more evident. Class disparity does not target any particular ethnic group. It hurts all ethnicities equally.

Using education levels as an indicator of class levels, Muller and Roehrkasse determined that class disparity has surged as a factor in the incarceration of both Black and White individuals. Expanding on the research of Autor, Dorn, and Hanson, Clegg and Usmani found that if the employment gains of the 1990s had been maintained in the 2000s, the incarceration rate would have been lower.

The rise of class disparity as a dominant factor in incarceration reveals a troubling reality: socioeconomic disadvantage now drives mass incarceration across all ethnic groups, disproportionately impacting those with lower education and employment opportunities. To sustain progress, policymakers must prioritize evidence-based reforms, such as expanding economic opportunities, addressing structural inequalities, and continuing to revise punitive sentencing practices. Only through sustained commitment to equity and justice can the nation dismantle the systemic barriers perpetuating both racial and class-based incarceration, ensuring a fairer future for all.  

Source: Center For Economic And Policy Research

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