This theory draws upon the assumption that socialization is recurrent, in contrast to the premises regarding socialization which underlie traditional theories of adolescent deviance. The recurrent model of socialization and that assumed by traditional theorists are discussed, and their implications for the causes of delinquent behavior are examined. An effort is made to show that the recurrent model of socialization suggests an anomie of age as the basis for delinquent acts. It is suggested that this age-based anomie stems from conditions of normlessness associated with certain role transitions in adolescence and the pacing of these transitions. It is further suggested that certain groups are prone to an anomie age transition. The role transitions most likely to be subject to such anomie conditions and the adolescent subgroups most prone to experience anomie as a result of the pacing of their age-role transitions are identified. A total of 36 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)