Examining the Link between Literacy and Numeracy and Employment Outcomes Amongst Incarcerated Individuals in the United States

• In Event: Impact of Incarceration on Inmates and Correctional Officers

Abstract

According to 2012 figures, more than two-thirds of those who left prison in 2005 were rearrested within 3 years. More than three-quarters were rearrested within five years (BJS 2014). Many of the individuals being released possess lower levels of education which effect employment outcomes. In order to inform policy in a changing environment, the research community must examine the basic literacy and numeracy skills of incarcerated individuals because they are strongly linked to employment outcomes and to personal and social well-being . This study uses Perna’s (2000) cultural capital theoretical framework in conjunction with data from OECD’s Programme of International Assessment of Adult Competencies in order to identify factors associated with employment outcomes. The Survey of Adult Skills is an international survey conducted in 33 countries as part of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). It measures the key cognitive and workplace skills needed for individuals to participate in society and for economies to prosper. In the United States a supplemental survey was administered to 1,600 incarcerated individuals. The inclusion of cultural and social capital variables as proxies for employment outcomes sheds light on the importance of these two forms of capital for incarcerated individuals.

Authors

• Evelyn Garcia, Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Liza Chowdhury, Fairleigh Dickinson University