This concisely written and logically organized text offers students a solid foundation in the theory and intellectual underpinnings of delinquency. Professor Shoemaker presents an integrated and comparative discussion of both individualistic and sociological theories, including: biological and biosocial explanation, psychological theories, theories of social disorganization, lower-class-based theories, interpersonal and situational explanations, control and labelling theories, and the radical theory. Empirical assumptions, major concepts, important contributions in formulation and development, and research findings are detailed for each theory. Special topics include female delinquency and middle-class delinquencies.