Dear Herman,
Thank you for your note. It is good to hear that people read things I
write. I employ the theory of Marx in my analysis of what goes on in a
capitalist economy. But I suspect that your professors want a review of
neoclassical literature. One way to proceed might be first to use the
work on labor market discrimination (see the labor economics textbook by
Ehrenberg and Smith, chapter on discrimination). This might predict
labor difficulties for black men and women. Then look at work on
economics of crime ( do a google search on "economic theory of crime").
This might predict that those facing such difficulties will be more
likely to commit crimes (quite rationally according to neoclassical
theory) and end up in prison (Harvey Brenner's research shows a close
correlation between unemployment rates and arrests and imprisonment). I
am not sure what to say about the economic analysis of the programs for
prisoners. Certainly prisoners and their families cannot exert much
pressure on the government (in terms say of aiding politicians in
election campaigns, voting, etc.). So this might be an angle to look at
here, with work by people like Buchanan and Tullock on why governments
do what they do (politicians act out of self-interest as does everyone
else according to neoclassical theory).
I am going to cc this to the progressive economists email list to see if
anyone can offer other suggestions.
take care and good luck,
Michael Yates
----- Original Message -----
From: Herm Chapman <mailto:hchapman@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: mikey@xxxxxxxx <mailto:mikey@xxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 9:37 PM
Subject: Student from Hamilton College
Hello Prof. Yates,
My name is Herman Chapman; I am a Senior economics major at Hamilton
College in Clinton, NY. Currently, I am working on my senior project,
which is related to your work with Monica Frolander. The purpose of my
project is to explore the current criminal justice in New York State,
and present a case that contends the current system is perpetuating the
poverty in the inner cities. Furthermore, I wish to examine government
funded programs for inmates during and after prison. My research has
supplied me with some very good information; however, a requirement of
my project is that I need to include theoretical economic literature
into my work. I have not been able to locate economic literature that
is related to the topic at hand. Given your background in this
subject, do you have any suggestions that would benefit my research?
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my request.
__________________
Herman L. Chapman
198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323
(315) 859-3022