Which group has been most affected by the expansion of corrections?

• A. White females
• B. African American males
• C. Hispanic males
• D. Asian American females

Answer: (B)

The expansion of corrections has hit African American males the hardest because they are incarcerated at far higher rates than other groups. Policies since the late 20th century—such as the War on Drugs, longer sentences, and mandatory minimums—led to a rapid increase in the prison population, but the burden fell disproportionately on Black men due to systemic disparities in policing, charging, and sentencing. As a result, African American men have been overrepresented in prisons and under supervision programs relative to their share of the population, making them the group most affected by the growth of corrections. While White females, Hispanic males, and Asian American females are affected as well, the scale of impact is greatest for African American males.