The Jack-Roller: A Delinquent Boy's Own Story

by Clifford R. Shaw

Vivid, authentic, this is the autobiography of a delinquent—his experiences, influences, attitudes, and values. The Jack-Roller helped to establish the life-history or "own story" as an important instrument of sociological research. The book remains as relevant today to the study and treatment of juvenile delinquency and maladjustment as it was when originally published in 1930.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Memoir, School, History, Biography

205 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 1966

Reviews

[David Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classical text on Sociology and Criminology. I was assigned this reading for a college class which can sometimes ruin a book. However, this text was phenomenal! It will help anyone understand the real-life struggles of some delinquents/criminals. Definitely recommend.

[laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second time I’ve had to read this book for a class. It is an interesting read, but it's definitely dated.

[Dr. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pleased to be able to recommend a title.

I am often relatively harsh but honest in my reviews. Although rather dated and limited in scope and application, this title nonetheless is a classic and an eyeopener to juvenile and delinquent behavioral patterns in Chicago during the 1920s and 1930s.

The story of "Stanley" presumably a pseudonym, is an outstanding "own story" of a sad and wayward youth. Yet this non-fiction has a happier ending than we might first imagine when encountering the protagonist as he fights his way against real and imagined adversity to achieve at least some semblance of social adaptation.

What is unique about this story is that it is very readable and at the same time a sociological study into the world of juvenile delinquency and the possibilities of redemption.

This is a good read on its own, or as complementary research for anyone interested in sociology, criminology, or penology. There is a strong emphasis on the Social structural approach--that is social ecology and its impact on the individual. This is only normal since the Chicago school was really the theoretical heartbeat of this criminological perspective.

I won't destroy it for you, but I sincerely enjoyed this title. If there is one criticism it is the rather redundant nature of the theoretical assertions of Clifford Shaw, who was otherwise an excellent scholar.

This story combines an interesting history with active learning. A great combination,
Enjoy!

[Linn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was incredibly fascinating. That being said, unless you are required to read it for a college class (which I was), it likely will be far less interesting to you. Especially if you aren’t supposed to be overthinking and analyzing it. If you are also getting a degree in criminal justice though, you will most likely be similarly intrigued.

[Emma LeBouef · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fascinating yet deeply sobering read about the criminal justice system in the early 1900s. told from the perspective of a young delinquent, this story follows his inability to leave a life of crime and the sociological factors that led to this cycle. the ending was encouraging and exciting to read!

[Josue Guerra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. It’s a small insight of the criminal justice system. It’s an interesting story overall.

[Lucy Qhuay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting insight into the personal perspective of a delinquent boy, how the recreated his criminal trajectory and the impact the justice system had on him.

[王棕 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't help thinking of Antoine Doinel in the film Les quatre cents coups directed by François Roland Truffaut in 1959.

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a concise, well-written, seminal text among urban-ethnographic sociology books, but I often found myself doubting its veracity.

[Izzie Mehrtens · Rating 3 out of 5]

had to read for school, not my fav but taught a lot of theory

[Emma Marsland]

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency

[Adam Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective into the origins of the pathologisation of the working class men into a deviant class. It had a impact on views of criminality among men, gang culture, male prostitution ect.

[Tristan Lear · Rating 5 out of 5]

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