Policy Incrementalism and Penal Reform: States and the Reduction of Mass Incarceration

• In Event: Policy Trends, Reforms, and Strategies in Reducing Incarceration: The Role of States and Communities

Abstract

This paper explores recent changes in US state-level sentencing policies and incarceration rates using the “policy incrementalism” framework from political science theory (Lindblom 1959; 1979). The paper quantitatively models trends in the use of both incarceration and community alternatives in all 50 states between 2008 and 2013, exploring the political, economic, ideological, and other variables that explain these changes. In particular, the paper investigates whether recent stabilizations and declines in some states’ incarceration rates signal a broader movement away from mass incarceration. Based upon this analysis, the authors ultimately argue that incremental policies enacted on different levels and within different parts of the criminal justice system-—rather than massive and sweeping changes-—may play a fundamental role in reducing state-level incarceration rates in future years.

Authors

• Tiffany Bergin, Kent State University

• Susanne Karstedt, Griffith University