What does Stevenson suggest is a consequence of mass incarceration?

Stevenson highlights the dehumanization of individuals as a significant consequence of mass incarceration. In "Just Mercy," he discusses how the prison system often strips away the dignity and identity of incarcerated people, reducing them to mere numbers and exacerbating societal stigmas associated with criminality. This dehumanization affects not only the individuals in prison but also their families and communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty, trauma, and marginalization.

While the other choices may suggest potential positive outcomes, they do not reflect the realities and impacts that mass incarceration has on individuals and society. Crime rates are complex and cannot be solely attributed to incarceration levels; community empowerment is often undermined in areas heavily impacted by incarceration; and economic growth in urban areas is frequently challenged by the social and economic repercussions of high incarceration rates. Thus, Stevenson’s focus is on the detrimental human cost that mass incarceration entails, making dehumanization the correct answer.