ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on two states Illinois and New Jersey, which were selected as case studies, so their experiences could be explored in great depth. The two states are both located in the northern part of the US and had nearly identical average crime and adult incarceration rates, as well as cross-sectional income inequality levels, during the relevant time period. The two states' racial demographics were similarly diverse, with greater proportions of African Americans and Asians than the national average. Although geographic proximity received no empirical support in the quantitative component, excerpts from the documents suggest that policymakers in Illinois were affected by the policy decisions of nearby states. The narrative perspective within policymaking asserts that history and temporal sequencing are significant factors which must be taken into account when trying to understand governmental decisions and actions. As with other narrative studies of policymaking the qualitative component was designed to analyze discourse about boot camps, but was not designed to undertake formal discourse analysis.
