A criminal record presents a major barrier to employment, with important implications for racial disparities. With over 2 million individuals currently incarcerated, and over half a million prisoners released each year, it is important to understand the employment outcomes of  African Americans and white men. A criminal record reduces the likelihood of a callback by 50%. The effect of a criminal record on African Americans , however, is 40% larger than for whites - white men with criminal record have a better chance at a call back than African Americans without criminal record. If the employer sees criminal record on the applicants application, there is a lower chance of employment and this chance is also lower if the applicant is African American.

The American Journal of Sociology is a peer-reviewed bi-monthly academic journal that publishes original research and book reviews in the field of sociology and related social sciences. It was founded in 1895 as the first journal in its discipline.

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^{Keywords: criminal record, incarceration, application, employment, job}

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