Meda Chesney-Lind
Pioneering criminologist studying juvenile justice and girls' delinquency
Meda Chesney-Lind is a renowned criminologist and professor emerita at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she has spent her career studying juvenile justice, delinquency, and the criminalization of girls and women. Her seminal work on how the criminal justice system treats girls differently than boys challenged conventional wisdom and opened new avenues of research in criminology. She has authored numerous books and articles examining the intersections of gender, poverty, and crime, demonstrating how girls' pathways to delinquency often involve survival strategies rather than inherent criminality. Chesney-Lind's advocacy for girls' justice has made her a leading voice in pushing for gender-responsive approaches to juvenile justice reform. Her research has been cited extensively in policy discussions and has influenced programs and initiatives aimed at better serving girls in the justice system. She remains active in her field and continues to mentor new generations of criminologists focused on social justice.
Science & Technology
American
1947
Thinking about the name
Meda
Sanskrit origin
“A short, vintage name with possible roots in Sanskrit or Germanic traditions, though most commonly appearing as a diminutive of Medea or Medina. Meda has a gentle, streamlined quality that appeals to parents seeking single-syllable strength with a soft edge. The name evokes mid-century charm.”