Ban-the-box today: an updated systematic review of the literature

Since the 1990s, the ban-the-box (BTB) movement has gained legislative and scholarly attention. Designed to improve job prospects for individuals with criminal records, BTB removes the stigmatizing question about criminal history from job applications. Given research indicating that employment reduces recidivism, BTB aims to decrease repeat offenses. However, critics argue that BTB may unintentionally discriminate against people of color (POC) with limited work experience. Concerns also exist about demographic disparities, including gender and race, in the application of BTB policies. Despite extensive research, there is no clear consensus on BTB’s effectiveness or broader implications. This study analyzed 25 highly cited publications (2013–2023) using a content analytical literary ethnography based on Van de Poel Knottnerus and Knottnerus (1994). Four key themes emerged: stigmatization, recidivism, effectiveness, and employer perspectives. The analysis also highlighted how race intersects with these themes and identified areas for future research. The findings underscore the need for more systematic literature reviews and deeper exploration of BTB’s impact on marginalized groups.