The Young Delinquent
- Author:
Cyril Burt, M.A., D.Sc.
4th Edition. London University Fress. 2]s.
The increase in the incidence of juvenile delinquency and the interest aroused by this social problem have called for a fourth edition of what is recognized as the classic on the subject in the English language. The whole text has been revised without altering the format familiar to us in previous editions.
An appendix gives us the author’s most up-to-date conclusions as to delinquency. The causes of delinquency, as has always been held, are multiple, some being inherent and others environmental, but what is crucial is the interaction between these two factors. A good deal of research has been done on this subject, but, as the author insists, it is absolutely essential that investigations should be properly controlled and that mathematical exactitude in compiling results should be observed.
Treatment is now being undertaken by the Child Guidance Clinics which have grown so much in numbers and efficiency in recent years. Results seem very much the same whatever method is used by those running the clinics, so no definite conclusions can be drawn as to choice of method. The controversy is mentioned as to whether delinquency is a ” mental diseaseand, therefore, one to be dealt with by the medical graduate, or a failure to adjust to the social milieu, and, therefore, a social disease to be dealt with by the professional psychologist and social worker. Naturally the author leans to the latter view, but he allows that some cases at least require the intervention of the psychiatrist, and whoever treats the case should be conversant both with psychology and some aspects of pediatric medical practice.
As has been said, this book is not only a classic but the classic, and it will require a new study of surpassing merit to displace Professor Burt’s work from its pride of place.
R.D.G.
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