Race, Health, and Recidivism: Examining the Effects of Health Status and Healthcare Needs on Recidivism for Black versus White Ex-Offenders

• In Event: Race, Health, and Prisoner Reentry

Abstract

Health research has established that there exist significant and consistent racial disparities in health outcomes, access to health care, and scope and quality of healthcare. An unresolved question is whether there are different pathways between health and recidivism for white versus black ex-prisoners. Using all four waves of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) data, we assess if the effects of health status and healthcare needs on recidivism are different for black versus white serious and violent ex-offenders. The study’s findings and their implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Xia Wang, Arizona State University

• Danielle Wallace, Arizona State University

• Arynn Infante, Arizona State University