The Losses Suffered through Incarceration in the United States: The Monetary and Social Costs of Incarceration

Despite the decrease in incarceration rates globally, the incarceration rate of the United States remain the highest of all countries globally. As the incarceration rate of the United States continues to remain the highest of all countries, there are many costs that consequently occur. This study investigates not only the monetary costs associated with the rates of incarceration. However, also, the social costs that impact the incarcerated individuals and their family members in the United States. The methods used to conduct the peer-reviewed data incorporate group study evaluations of the costs associated with incarceration, and also, using quantitative research to evaluate the monetary costs of incarceration. The quantitative research calculates the monetary cost of prisons and the variability that exists monetarily based upon an increase of inmates entering the criminal justice system through the jails and prisons systems. Additionally, the qualitative research evaluated proves that there are significant familial and social costs that exist when individuals become acquainted with the criminal justice system and enter the prison system. In addition many social costs incur additional monetary costs as through individuals being incarcerated, family members and friends pay attorney fees, commissary, etc. in order to assist the incarcerated individual. Furthermore, social costs also exist for the incarcerated individual in regards to their future life choices post-incarceration. The results displayed from the costs described in the peer-reviewed evaluations conclude that there are strong monetary and social costs associated with incarceration in the United States.