Juvenile institutionalization rates have increased from approximately 0.26 per 1,000 population in 1820 to 1.56 per 1,000 population in 1970. The most rapid growth occurred in the second half of the 19th century and again during recent decades of the 20th century. Most theories that attempt to explain this rise in the institutionalization of juveniles focus on the influence of proponents, founders, and managers of institutions. These theories, however, do not adequately explain the large increase in the institutionalization rate for juvenile delinquents that occurred from 1850 to 1880. A significant change during this period pertained to the nature of work performed by juveniles, such that attitudes about child labor were revised. Industrialization separated work from family life, and there was a long-term decline in demand for young workers. Although a direct causal relationship between delinquency and youth unemployment cannot be established, the work patterns of youth and related family bonds are apparently related to the behavioral patterns of youth and consequently their institutionalization. 3 tables and 37 references.