Incarceration and Employment: An Exploratory Study of How Universities Practices Affect Ex-Offender Occupational Opportunities

Incarceration and Employment: An Exploratory Study of How Universities Practices Affect Ex-Offender Occupational Opportunities The purpose of this research is to uncover the relationship between individuals who have a conviction on their record and their ability to obtain legitimate employment post-incarceration. This is necessary in order explore and maintain equal opportunity in the workplace. This study is in part a continuation of work completed by a Devah Pager (2013), however, this research focuses on hiring in a university setting. In order to gather this information, a short survey was distributed to different hiring offices on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus. These questions examined hiring practices and favorable employee characteristics. Results collected from this study are expected to reflect negative opinions and assumptions made by employers of the capabilities of the formerly incarcerated. Previous research conducted by Pager indicates a rapid population growth in the American prison system, because of this the American labor force will also receive an influx of formerly incarcerated applicants. It is for this reason that this research examines damaging stereotypes about work ethic faced by individuals who struggle to successfully obtain employment post-incarceration