This research examines the individual-level and contextual correlates of punitive attitudes in the United States. Prior research suggests that the demographic composition and economic conditions of geographic areas influence public support for punitive policies. Yet, these findings rest on assumptions about individual perceptions of minority groups as threatening. This work builds on the threat framework by measuring the concept of `perceived threat" and examining the association between aggregate social conditions, perceived threat and punitive sentiments. Analysis of newly collected data suggests that individual perceptions of African Americans as threatening to economic resources is a strong predictor of punitive attitudes. In addition, respondents residing in areas with higher unemployment rates and places that experienced a recent increase in the size of the African American population are more punitive. The latter effect is largely mediated by perceptions of African Americans as threatening to material resources for white respondents. The results agree with racial threat perspectives on social control, but we go beyond extant research by unpacking the micro-level processes that are central to the threat hypothesis.This research draws on group threat theory (Blalock 1967, Blumer 1958) to investigate the individual-level and contextual correlates of punitive attitudes. Group threat theory posits that prejudice and inter-group hostility are largely reactions to perceived threats by subordinate groups. Dominant groups seek to preserve their advantaged social position and view encroachments on their prerogatives by minority groups as disrupting to the existing social order. Accordingly, prejudice is more prevalent where sources of threat are highest, notably when and where the minority population is relatively large and where there exists competition for limited social resources, such as jobs (Blalock 1967;Quillian 1995). Although originally envisioned as a theory of prejudice and discrimination, the threat hypothesis informs a wealth of research on formal social control and criminal punishment, including work on arrest (Eitle, D'Alessio and Stolzenberg

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Unemployment is one of the most often cited barriers to reentry, yet we know little about how understandings of work inform the job-search strategies of men and women with felon status. How and why do individuals remain committed to the legitimate labor market and continue their search for employment? We categorized interviews from 38 Milwaukee County residents into four narrative typologies that (1) reflected understandings of work and job market challenges and (2) mapped onto reported job-search strategies. Findings inform discussions about reentry and stigma that have yet to draw on narratives of commitment to the labor market.

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