Economics 222 - Economics of Race, Policy, and Mass Incarceration

Econ-Race, Policy, Incarceratn

Spring
2026
01
4.00
Terry-Ann Craigie

M 1:40 PM - 2:55 PM; W 1:20 PM - 2:35 PM

Smith College
ECO-222-01-202603
tcraigie@smith.edu
The United States has the world’s highest incarceration rate at more than five times the global median. This country is regrettably distinguished by significant racial-ethnic and gender disparities in its carceral population. This course uses the tools of economic analysis to address three main questions: First, how did the United States become the world’s leader in incarceration? Second, what are the economic implications and collateral consequences of racialized mass incarceration? Finally, can economic tools be used to examine the efficacy of criminal justice reform? Prerequisite: ECO 150. Enrollment limited to 40.

[CE] ECO 150

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.