In what ways do larger social problems drive mass incarceration in the U.S., and what are those problems?

Title: In what ways do larger social problems drive mass incarceration in the U.S., and what are those problems?

The final paper assignment is a 5-7 page paper. You an can choose your own topic but, here is an example of a possible question, which is also a good option if you are struggling to think of a topic: In what ways do larger social problems drive mass incarceration in the U.S., and what are those problems? You must discuss at least four of the assigned readings from the Midterm onward, (the course material on criminalization and mass incarceration) , including at least one of the following: Alexander, Metzl, Vitale chapter 3, Vitale chapter 4, or Levi and Waldman. Please do not use any outside sources for this assignment.