By the end of the twentieth century, the idea of self-esteem had become enormously influential. A staggering amount of psychological research and self-help literature was being published and, before long, devoured by readers. Self-esteem initiatives permeated American schools. Self-esteem became the way of understanding ourselves, our personalities, our interactions with others. Nowadays, however, few people think much about the concept of self-esteem but perhaps we should. Self-Esteem: An American History is the first historical study to explore the emotional politics of self-esteem in modern America. Written with verve and insight, Ian Miller s expert analysis looks at the critiques of self-help that accuse it of propping up conservative agendas by encouraging us to look solely inside ourselves to resolve life s problems. At the same time, he reveals how African American, LGBTQ+, and feminist activists have endeavored to build positive collective identities based on self-esteem, pride, and self-respect. This revelatory book will be essential reading for anyone with an interest in the history of mental health and well-being, and in how the politics of self-esteem is played out in today s US society and culture.
