The term "rising prison population" is most closely related to which issue?

The term "rising prison population" is most closely related to the issue of the War on Drugs. This initiative, which began in the 1980s, involved a series of policies aimed at curbing drug use and trade, leading to significant increases in arrests and convictions for drug-related offenses. As a result, many individuals were incarcerated for non-violent drug crimes, contributing to the swell in the prison population. The focus on punitive measures rather than rehabilitation or alternative strategies for dealing with drug-related issues has historically led to overcrowding in prisons and a dramatic rise in the number of people behind bars.

The War on Drugs also highlights the intersection of social policy, criminal justice, and race, as marginalized communities have often experienced disproportionate impacts from these policies. Therefore, the connection between the War on Drugs and the increase in incarceration rates is a critical area of discussion in sociology and criminal justice studies.