Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University, 1929. / Vita. Published also as Studies in history, economics, and public law, ed. by the Faculty of political science of Columbia university, no. 311. Bibliography at end of part of the chapters.

The social problem of juvenile delinquency and treatment efforts to alleviate this problem are introduced in this study. Literature related to theories on delinquency, institutional treatment, the role of recreation in correctional settings, and leisure education is reviewed and summarized. A basis for a leisure theory on delinquency is presented, suggesting delinquent behaviors are socially unacceptable leisure pursuits. Implications include efforts to replace delinquent behaviors with socially acceptable leisure pursuits (i.e. recreation).

The purpose of this problem was: (1) to study the background of the high school boys of Beaumont, Texas, both those who come under the classification of juvenile delinquents and others that do not fall under this classification; (2) to find how the boys are using their leisure time; (3) what they would enjoy doing if the opportunity was afforded them; (4) to propose recommendations for an expanded recreation program of the City of Beaumont, Texas.