Freda Adler

Dr. Freda Adler, described as the most distinguished criminologist in the field, currently serves as professor emeritus at Rutgers University, a visiting professor and director of the Master of Science Program in Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania, and as a Permanent Representative to the United Nations of the Centro Nazionale di Prevenzione e Difesa Sociale. Born in 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she made her mark on feminism and criminology during her long professional career. She is known for her work with the United Nations, developing theories on women and crime, and serving as the third woman president of the American Society of Criminology in 1994–1995. Throughout her education and career, she was a pioneer for feminist criminology by bringing widespread attention to offending and deviance by girls and women and their relationship to social, political, and economic structures. Adler’s foundational work commenced with her publication of Sisters in Crime: The Rise of the New Female Criminal, which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1976. Adler’s considerable research and consulting contributions make her one of the most influential scholars in criminology. Her contributions are so vast that writing a book describing her career would be easy. Given space limitations, this entry offers highlights on her education, career, scholarly contributions, awards, and legacy. This review does not offer a comprehensive list of Adler’s work. Some works are out of print, others unavailable, and still others published in languages other than English. While not comprehensive, this entry does provide a broad overview of the contributions of one of the greatest criminologists in the field—Dr. Freda Adler.