Intergenerational transmission of incarceration among Black men and boys: A vicious cycle caused by structural racism

Introduction

The widespread incarceration of Black men and boys in the US is a stark manifestation of structural and institutional racism, significantly impacting health and economic disparities within this community. While there is substantial research on the immediate effects of Black men's imprisonment, there remains a scarcity of longitudinal studies exploring the enduring impact of a father's incarceration on his children's health and well-being, particularly over decades. This study aims to explore the extensive intergenerational consequences of incarceration among Black fathers, focusing specifically on its impact on the educational achievements, likelihood of imprisonment, and mental health of their children 22 years later.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), formerly known as the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Our sample included a cohort of births where the fathers were Black. These children were followed over a period of 22 years to assess the long-term effects of their fathers' incarceration.

Results

Overall, 1264 families were followed in our analysis. From this number, outcomes were available for 689 sons 22 years later. Our findings indicate that incarceration was more prevalent among Black fathers who were younger and had lower educational attainment. Additionally, a father's incarceration was linked to lower educational levels and younger maternal age. Crucially, we found associations between a father's incarceration and mental health issues (such as anxiety and depression) in their children by the age of 22.

Conclusion

The significantly higher risk of incarceration faced by Black men not only poses a direct health risk to themselves but also has profound intergenerational consequences for their children. The impacts extend across various domains, including the risk of incarceration, educational attainment, and mental health of their sons. These insights underscore the urgency for policy interventions aimed at dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate the cycle of incarceration and its long-lasting effects on the Black community.