Analysis Of Irwin's The Jail: Managing The Underclass In American Society

In the novel, The Jail: Managing the Underclass in American Society, Irwin claims that the jails are inhabited by individuals based on their offensive behaviors, and most importantly, based on their social status, notably being poor. “The public impression is that the jail holds a collection of dangerous criminals. But familiarity and close inspection reveal that the jail holds only a few persons who fit the popular conception of a crime…some students of the jail have politely referred to them as the poor” (Irwin 1). In Chapter one, Irwin describes what a jail entails. He explains that a jail is the foremost start into the criminal justice system. Those individuals placed in jails, normally do less than a year 's time in a jail. A jail is created for individuals who cannot make their bail, and most likely have committed a

Alexander claims the caste system allows segregation to exist. The caste system is set up as slavery, Jim Crow, and mass incarceration. The author feels the black men are imprisoned because of continuing discrimination, poor city life, increased police force, and heavy education of the American people on the drug wars. I agree with Alexander’s perception of the caste system, because in particular African American men are discriminated against. I believe they grow up in tough cities and lack opportunities that whites have. Alexander states, “once again, vagrancy laws and other laws defining activities such as mischief and insulting gestures as crimes were enforced vigorously against blacks” (Alexander 31). Throughout history, many can notice African Americans are placed on the lower end of the spectrum. This is due to one factor only, skin color. Many people are prejudiced against the black men, as seen in recent issues cops are specifically tough on the black