Views delinquent behavior as a defense against low self-esteem brought on by poor performance in school. This contention was tested for boys in two age groups (11 to 14, and 15 to 18 years). Findings supported the study's view for older boys but not for the younger age group. (APM)

For every American birth cohort, 1905-80, social background effects declined at higher grade levels. However, in the 1980s, as tuitions rose and public college funding declined, social background became more important for college entry than for high school completion. Findings challenge the "selective attrition of the disadvantaged"…