The Unadjusted Girl, With Cases and Standpoint for Behavior Analysis

"The Unadjusted Girl, With Cases and Standpoint for Behavior Analysis" by William Isaac Thomas is an early 20th-century sociological study examining human behavior in "unadjusted" individuals, like delinquents, and the social and psychological factors behind their actions. Through case studies, Thomas presents his theories on how human instincts connect with societal influences, arguing that understanding behavior requires looking beyond simple labels. He starts by discussing the basic human desires that drive action, like the need for new experiences and security, and says that maladjustment comes from societal pressures and personal history, not inherent flaws. By studying girls and women labeled as delinquents, he suggests their behavior shows deeper emotional and social problems instead of just moral failures, setting the stage for a detailed look at how societal constructs affect individual actions and mental well-being.