Examining the Intersections of Race, Gender, and Mass Imprisonment

As incarceration rates in the United States have reached the highest point in history, the concept of mass imprisonment describes both high levels of imprisonment and its potential far reaching consequences. With disproportionately high rates of incarceration for African Americans compared to other racial and ethnic groups, mass imprisonment's impact on the Black community is a topic of critical importance. Black women in particular face unique challenges in the era of mass imprisonment as both incarcerated women and women connected to imprisoned men and women. This article uses the concept of intersectionality to examine extant research about Black women and mass imprisonment.