ABSTRACT
The concepts from the Ecological Perspective provide understanding of the impact of incarceration on African American males; their families and communities. Several explanations have been identified in the literature for the disparities in the rates of incarceration: change in sentencing policies, the sentencing guideline systems, mandatory minimum sentences for various crimes beginning in the early 1980s and racial bias. Family-oriented programs are helpful in reducing the stress associated with incarceration. The preponderance of evidence supports the view that intimate relationships provide a "protective barrier" for individuals as they negotiate life-stressful situations. Intimate relationships are very important to the maintenance of mental health and to the prisoner's post-release success. The ecological concept of relatedness broadens the range of significant relationships. It refers to attachments, friendship, positive kin relationships, and a sense of belonging to a supportive social network. The number of incarcerated African American men does not represent lone individuals without intimate ties, social roles, commitments, and expectations.
