Self-Esteem An American History

"Low self-esteem is a political, structural, capitalist problem. It is not rooted in individual failings, even if it is experienced as such. Miller's Self-Esteem is a captivating history of emotional modernity and a sustained, pointed critique of the therapy industry's narrow focus on self-help."
Rob Boddice, Tampere University
 
"Most of us live lives troubled by self-comparison and the sadness and anxiety that this habit brings on. Modern psychology promises us a kind of salvation, urging therapeutic self-help or politicized pride to rescue our self-esteem. In this important new work, Ian Miller offers an alternative solution, showing how an understanding of self-esteem's conceptual history can give us a new perspective on our lives."
Rhodri Hayward, Queen Mary University of London
 
"This fascinating and nuanced book is a much-needed reassessment of the role that self-esteem has played in shaping how Americans understand themselves. By focusing on how African American, LGBTQ+, and feminist activists have adopted ideas about self-esteem to build collective and individual pride, Miller reveals how self-esteem has been used as a tool in the fight for social justice--not just as a band-aid to cover up injustice."
Louise Settle, Tampere University