Erasing the Mark of a Criminal Record: Examining the Effect of Education on Ex-Offender Employment

ABSTRACT

The United States has the largest population of citizens with criminal records and the stigma associated with these records. This stigma encountered by ex-offenders is thought to contribute to the high recidivism rates currently observed through blocking opportunities for advancement in conventional society. While previous research has noted the existence of negative stigma, little research has been conducted to examine potential methods for reducing the stigma ex-offenders face upon re-entering society. Using audit study methodology, we examine whether the level of education matters in securing employment for ex-offenders. We find a contextualized effect of higher education on ex-offender employment as the negative stigma is not ameliorated until a bachelor’s degree is earned.

KEYWORDS:

• Formerly incarcerated
• employment
• education
• audit study

Notes

1. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has recently provided funding for an experimental Second Chance Pell Pilot program where offenders nearing release from prison are able to draw federal funding to pay for college tuition for the first time in over 20 years.