The first section examines the nature and extent of juvenile delinquency and discusses it in relation to the development of concepts regarding childhood and adolescence in Western civilization. The second section presents theories of juvenile delinquency and related phenomena, including psychological theories, biological theories, subcultural theories, labeling theories, differential association theories, and control theories. The third section traces the methods used in the attempts at social control of delinquency in the United States, with emphasis on current juvenile law and the juvenile justice system. The fourth section focuses on the community as a resource in the treatment of delinquency and on its institutions that are thought to be influential in promoting or abetting delinquency. The final section considers special issues like female delinquency, juvenile violence, drug use, status offenses, and the future of theory, public attitudes, and legal perspectives. Tables, photographs, chapter reference lists, author index, and subject index.