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.
