Final answer:
Prisoners in the United States were historically viewed as 'wards of the state,' but in practice, they were often treated as forced laborers, especially after the abolition of slavery with convict leasing. This evolved into the era of mass incarceration, characterized by racial inequalities and the reduced socioeconomic prospects for the prisoners.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the United States penal system, prisoners used to be viewed as 'wards of the state', which denotes that the state had a form of guardianship over the incarcerated individuals. This term suggests that prisoners were under the care and supervision of the state, much like a guardian would have responsibilities towards a ward. Historically, following the abolition of slavery, the southern U.S. states utilized convict leasing programs where prisoners were forced to sign labor contracts, effectively making them akin to servile laborers, if not outright slaves, under the guise of legal punishment and rehabilitation. The use of prison labor continued, with inmates often required to build roads and perform other forms of manual labor with little to no compensation.
As society evolved, the treatment and perception of prisoners shifted. Yet, the legacy of viewing prisoners as forced laborers cast a long shadow over the justice system. Most notably, the advent of mass incarceration highlighted profound racial disparities, with African Americans significantly more likely to be imprisoned. This era saw prisoners unable to contribute to their families or society, often trapped in cycles of poverty and with diminished prospects due to felony records.
These practices and the subsequent social and economic implications for formerly incarcerated individuals highlight the complex historical views on prisoners within the American justice system.