New Jim Crow Theory

The New Jim Crow Theory, popularized by Michelle Alexander in her book "The New Jim Crow," argues that mass incarceration in the United States functions similarly to the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation. It suggests that systemic racism operates through the criminal justice system, disproportionately impacting Black and other minority communities. This theory highlights how policies, such as the War on Drugs, have led to high incarceration rates, stripping many individuals of their rights and perpetuating social and economic inequality, akin to past discriminatory practices designed to maintain racial hierarchy.