ABSTRACT
Delinquency areas exhibit important differences in the degree to which integration between the conventional and criminal value systems is achieved. The play of influence with respect to the development of values and goals is simultaneously exerted in both directions, even though delinquents may be expected to have more frequent and more intimate contacts with other delinquents than with non-delinquents. In contrast to both commitments and juvenile court appearances as may be anticipated, include in the delinquent classification a considerably larger proportion of boys residing in urban delinquency areas. The culture of delinquency areas and specific group patterns of delinquency in these areas may be regarded as in large part determined by the character of the interaction between the conventional and the criminal value systems. The contrasting polar type of delinquency area is characterized principally by the absence of systematic and organized adult activity in violation of law, despite the fact that many adults in these areas commit violations.
