About The Study: This study found that higher rates of incarceration were associated with increased rates of firearm homicides among Black communities alone; this association was found to be mediated partially through the density of single-parent households in these areas, suggesting that social disorganization resulting from mass incarceration may perpetuate firearm homicides. Targeted policies addressing mass incarceration and the disparities therein may be a means of reducing urban firearm homicides.
About The Study: This study found that higher rates of incarceration were associated with increased rates of firearm homicides among Black communities alone; this association was found to be mediated partially through the density of single-parent households in these areas, suggesting that social disorganization resulting from mass incarceration may perpetuate firearm homicides. Targeted policies addressing mass incarceration and the disparities therein may be a means of reducing urban firearm homicides.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Michael Poulson, M.D., M.P.H., email mpoulson@bu.edu.
To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link
(doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2024.1596)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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Journal
JAMA Surgery
Cite Scienmag News
Courtney Benton. (June 5, 2024). The carceral state, social disorganization, and firearm homicides in Chicago. Scienmag. https://scienmag.com/the-carceral-state-social-disorganization-and-firearm-homicides-in-chicago/
Courtney Benton. "The carceral state, social disorganization, and firearm homicides in Chicago." Scienmag, 5 June 2024, https://scienmag.com/the-carceral-state-social-disorganization-and-firearm-homicides-in-chicago/. Accessed 3 September 2026.
Courtney Benton. "The carceral state, social disorganization, and firearm homicides in Chicago." Scienmag. June 5, 2024. https://scienmag.com/the-carceral-state-social-disorganization-and-firearm-homicides-in-chicago/
