Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
1963
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Physical Education
Abstract
This study dealt with recreation and its association with juvenile delinquency. It is well known that the function of recreation is not to curb juvenile delinquency, but its effects of prevention cannot be overlooked. Recreation may well be a modern tool for rehabilitation aspects as well as a preventive measure for juvenile delinquency. The author felt that one of the greatest faults of recreation, which could very well show the lack of maturity of the profession, is the neglected segment of our society to whom the role could be most vital. The youngsters most likely to become delinquent are those who receive but the shallowest attention of good services from organized recreation throughout their youthful years. This is perhaps the reason that so many of the inmates in correctional institutes have very few recreational skills. The child that is most likely to become delinquent is the one who is deprived of nearly all of his most basic needs. He or she then becomes a burden upon society and may even become a threat to the lives and happiness of law-abiding and the more fortunate citizens. Here rests a responsibility not only of the nation’s police power, but of responsible citizens and agencies who have the opportunity to mold these youngsters, while they are yet in the plastic state, to lead more wholesome and fuller lives. Just what can be done to meet the recreational interests of the delinquent before he becomes more delinquent in still puzzling society. There is universal agreement that delinquency does occur during the juvenile’s leisure hours. The juvenile’s expression of enjoyment may well depend on what opportunities exist and are accessible to them. When society is able to correlate all the factors which are causing delinquency, it may then be able to guide youth toward more positive lives. The author attempted to discover the leisure time interests and recreational patterns of delinquents, by finding out what they did and were interested in before becoming institutionalized. We have extensive research projects trying to determine the causes and cure of cancer, heart disease, and many other physical and mental ills. But up to the present time, there has been comparatively little intensive study and research into the needs of youth and the causes of juvenile maladjustment.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Juvenile delinquency -- Case studies
Recreation
Description
Includes bibliographical references
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
94
Recommended Citation
Job, Louis Jr., "Leisure Time Interests and Recreational Patterns of Delinquent Boys and Girls Prior to Their Entry into the South Dakota Training School" (1963). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2899.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/2899