This project examines prison sentencing and reform through the lens of Marxist theory. Marxism focuses on how power, wealth, and class shape social institutions. The questions addressed in my research are: What inequalities exist within the criminal justice system, and how might the system be reformed to address them? This question is important because it takes a unique perspective on the issues facing our justice system and what can be done to address them. Marginalized communities are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and given harsher sentences. Using a marxist theory lens, this project sheds light on how inequality is built into the system itself. Within the field of criminology, this approach challenges views that focus on individual behavior and instead uncovers larger societal structures that lead to inequality. The project uses a theoretical analysis of existing research on sentencing, incarceration, and prison reform. The major conclusion of this research is that our justice system is a tool used by the upper classes and we must address social and economic inequalities to address this issue.
Chrissy Eccher is a Sociology major with a concentration in Criminology from Darlington, South Carolina. She is planning to attend law school at Elon University and become a criminal defense lawyer.