In the U.S., sociologists now think of incarceration as a “stratifying institution”. Explain what that means, and provide a summary of how mass incarceration affects our society based on the Wakefield & Uggen and Western readings. Next, identify and explain the three conditions that Wakefield and Uggen argue are essential for incarceration to maintain this dubious status. According to Western, how could the situation change for the better? Finally, drawing on two readings from the list below, explain connections between mass incarceration and inequalities in two other social institutions. How might changes in one institution affect changes in the other and reduce social inequalities? Provide examples to explain your answers. Readings to use for question 2: Opportunity Insights Peterson & Krivo Carter, P. Mettler, S. Schor, J. et al