SOC203 Social Problems Interconnected

Criminal's actions not only effect themselves, they also effect the emotions and all around well-being of their friends and families as well.  Criminals justifiably have to pay and be punished for their crimes, but those left back home are left to pick up the slack.  In many cases, the one who has been incarcerated is the main provider which leaves their family with bills they are unable to pay. “Punishment impacts individuals convicted of felonies, as well as their families, peer groups, neighborhoods, and racial group”(Wheelock & Uggen, 2005).  This creates another problem for those expecting payment, because even though the money they were receiving was potentially illegally gained, it still paid their bills as well.  Further, fair or unfair, people of different races and backgrounds are treated differently when being dealt their punishment, which can also be cause for more problems both in the punishment and the rehabilitation.