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.

“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

Ian Miller is Senior Lecturer in Medical History at Ulster University. He has authored seven books on various topics, including the stomach, Irish dietary change, and force-feeding.