Examining the Impact of Racial Attitudes on the Public’s Support for Reentry Initiatives

• In Event: Public Perceptions of Criminal Justice Policy and Practice

Abstract

Prior research suggests that views of racial resentment and systemic racism can impact one's support for various criminal justice actors, policies, and reforms. Less research, however, examines how these views impact support for reentry initiatives (e.g., housing and employment programs). Given the disproportionate representation of people of color in the carceral system and the fact that 95% of people will be released from prison, it is imperative to understand how racial attitudes relate to support for reentry initiatives. This study will present results from an opt-in online survey using a nationally representative sample. Results will be contextualized within the broader public opinion literature examining criminal justice policies, as policymakers and politicians consider public opinion when deciding how to spend public funds.

Authors

• Shania Grant, Florida Atlantic University

• Cassandra Atkin-Plunk, Florida Atlantic University