Mass incarceration disproportionately affects marginalized groups, particularly __________, raising questions about the effectiveness of punitive measures versus rehabilitation efforts.

Mass incarceration refers to the high rates of imprisonment in a society, and it often impacts marginalized groups, particularly people of color. This means that individuals from these communities face higher chances of being arrested and sentenced to prison, which raises concerns about fairness in the justice system. For example, studies show that Black Americans are jailed at much higher rates than white Americans, even for similar offenses. This situation suggests that punitive measures, like long prison sentences, may not be the best way to handle crime and that focusing on rehabilitation could lead to better outcomes. Instead of just punishing individuals, providing support and resources can help them reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.