Generally, interpretations have emphasized the social control motives of the founders of institutions and the juvenile court, while portraying the delinquents themselves as victims of social and economic discrimination. Recent research has neglected case studies and the comparative approach. Several recent works have uncovered some popular support for institutions and have shown American policies, at least in the 19th century, to be less disadvantageous than European formulations. These studies have also emphasized the significant differences between programs and institutions in the United States. Future research can profitably examine the post-World War II era, focusing particularly on the influence of legal changes, professional study, and Government policy on programs and institutions. Scholars undertaking this work can make their contributions more useful by declining to view themselves as policymakers. Footnotes and about 140 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)