The Psychology of Personal Growth and Better Relationships

Column 2Adler, the Feminist

In December 1897, Adler married Raissa Epstein (born November 1873 in Moscow) after meeting her at a political rally that spring. Raissa was a Jewish Russian and had come to Vienna, the political, cultural, and artistic capital of the world at that time, to study. (Note that women were not allowed to formally enter universities at this time.) Wise and beautiful, Raissa married Adler, who didn't really stand out for his looks. The picture of them together in the manga is quite realistic.

Eventually, they had four children: Valentine (in 1898), Alexandra (in 1901), Kurt (in 1905), and Cornelia (in 1909). Adler is said to have cherished his family. Raissa, despite the strict gender roles of the era, participated in Adler's discussions with his friends, had her own radical ideas, and participated in political and cultural activities.

It may have been his wife Raissa's influence, but Adler proposed the idea of male and female equality earlier than any other psychologist and supported women's rights. Because of this, the Danish sculptor Thyra Boldsen included Adler in a memorial statue she created. The statue depicted 99 famous women and one famous man, Adler.

Heinz Ansbacher and his wife, Rowena, who co‐authored The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler, which included various writings by Adler as well as their own commentary, and Cooperation Between the Sexes, noted that Adler strongly argued for equality between the sexes.