British male delinquents (n=90) were compared with nondelinquent counterparts (n=121) on the seven socialization-related domains of Fitts' Tennessee Self Concept Scale. Subjects were subgrouped according to social class and 'openness' of delinquent institution. The seven domains measured were physical self, moral-ethical self, personal self, family self, social self, self-criticism, and total (positive) self-concept. In most cases, the two nondelinquent subgroups scored higher on the various domains of self-concept than the two delinquent subgroups. The exceptions were in the domains of physical self-concept and self-criticism. Subjects from a closed institution were found to have mean scores in these domains that were not only higher than those of delinquents in the other subgroup but were also higher than the scores of the nondelinquent subgroups. In all the domains, remand and community home delinquents consistently registered the lowest mean scores. It may be that the latter group yielded lower mean scores because of their uncertain or remand status vis-a-vis the authorities. The higher scores on the physical self-concept of the 'closed' institution group may reflect their pride in their physical prowess and appearance. Although the self-criticism score of the 'closed' institution delinquent group fell within the normal range, it still showed, relative to the means for the other three subgroups, a likelihood for them to become, in Fitts' terms, more pathologically defenseless than the other subgroups. Tabular data and 14 references are provided.