This text investigates the complex social, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency in contemporary society. Authors Robert Agnew and Timothy Brezina utilize their extensive academic backgrounds in sociology and criminology to synthesize decades of research. The book presents a comprehensive framework that integrates strain theory, social learning, and control theories to explain why adolescents engage in deviant behavior. It provides a structured analysis of how family, school, and peer group dynamics influence the development of delinquent patterns.

Experts frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for undergraduate courses in criminology and sociology. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which balances theoretical rigor with accessible explanations of complex social phenomena.