The Man, His Politics and Intellectual Origins: A Short Biography of Mike Adler

This contribution to the collection takes the form of a biography of Mike Adler which charts his decision to initially study science to his journey into the world of social policy and socio-legal studies. Drawing on desk-based research, analysis of his work and interviews with Mike, it identifies the experiences, scholarship and beliefs that have inspired his work. It charts his family background, education and motivation for his life-long interest in street-level bureaucracies, justice and the welfare state; placing a particular emphasis on his tireless activism, engagement with the world around him and dogged refusal to ignore unfairness and discrimination. It is argued that his compassion, generosity and commitment to progressive politics are symbiotic with his life as an intellectual.