Making Ends Meet Over the Post-Incarceration Life Course: Total Income Trajectories and Divergent Paths

• In Event: 2403 - Mechanisms of Social Stratification

Abstract

Prior research on the financial wellbeing of formerly-incarcerated individuals has tended to be limited either in the type of income sources or the time period considered. This paper examines the long-term total income packages and trajectories of formerly-incarcerated men. Using National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 data, I examine the value and composition of total income packages both before and after incarceration, considering how earned income, spouse income, transfer income, and other income change following incarceration and across the life course. I consider both mean income trajectories and variation among the formerly incarcerated in income trajectory patterns through their mid-50s. I find that all types of income decline significantly following incarceration, but some recover, eventually returning to pre-incarceration levels. Using cluster analysis, I also find that, while the modal formerly-incarcerated man has very low income and limited income growth across the life course, approximately one in five have income trajectories and levels similar to those of never-incarcerated men. In keeping with prior work on desistance from crime, I find that marriage and higher levels of employment are associated with achieving a traditional-looking income trajectory after incarceration. I also find that black men and men with disabilities are disproportionately likely to experience extremely disadvantaged post-incarceration income trajectories. 

Author

• Brielle Bryan, Rice University