Governments are pressured to 'do something' about delinquency, not because it is a tremendous threat to society, but because public demands for action are always there. Since action is necessary, it is normal to ask experts to research the problem, analyze causes, launch programs, and evaluate the results. This rational approach to problemsolving may not be appropriate for social policy, since it often fails to account for the complex forces within a community, public attitudes, and the internal dynamics of any research project. In addition, a major stumbling block to effective social policy is the persistent belief that the intentions of 'men of good will' will surely result in progress. Any analysis of policy must consider the larger social milieu. The author argues that neither the advocates of revolutionary change nor those of law and order have demonstrated the superiority of their recommendations. Program descriptions illustrate the author's points. Nine references are included.