In a new paper, a PhD student from West Virginia University compared recidivism rates between inmates with tattoos compared with those who have none, and the results were striking. On average, a tattooed former prisoner ends up back behind bars twice as fast as one without tattoos. Why is this? Statistics show that visible tattoos can be a factor keeping any member of society from gaining employment, regardless of any prior criminal history.

So what can be done? Are there methods of putting all released prisoners on even ground where recidivism is concerned whether they are tattooed or not?

Explore the idea further at economist.com