Correcting Misconceptions About Alfred Adler’s Psychological Theory of Crime in Introductory Criminology Textbooks: Moving Adler’s Theory of Crime Forward

Introductory textbooks on criminology and criminal justice devote copious amounts of space and attention to theories of crime from various disciplines. Psychological theories of crime in particular occupy a prominent place in the history of criminological thought. While the works of Freud, Jung, Fromm, and Erikson are given adequate coverage in introductory criminology textbooks, few textbook writers have seriously discussed the works of Alfred Adler, if they discuss him at all. The current article contrasts the information presented about the work of Alfred Adler with his actual writings and ideas. The implications for criminal justice education are discussed.