The Myth of Self-Esteem: Finding Happiness and Solving Problems in America

by John P. Hewitt

In an effort to describe and interpret America's contemporary fascination with self-esteem, sociologist John P. Hewitt claims that self-esteem is actually a cultural myth that decorates the bare facts of human psychology with the legitimacy of science. Hewitt's volatile text is essential reading for anyone interest in contemporary American society and psychology.

Genres: Nonfiction

153 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[Skylar Burris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chapters 1-5 basically provide an overview of what our society believes about self-esteem, of the various myths people hold, and how these myths have been promoted in education, among feminists, and in the field of parenting, for instance. Finally, in Chapter 6, he gets around to examining “the reality of self-esteem,” but even here he refuses to take a solid position either in favor of promoting self-esteem or not promoting it. All and all, it appears to be a rather boring contribution to the world of sociology, and not really about (as its subtitle claims) “finding happiness and solving problems in America.”

I'm interested in reading a book about why promoting self-esteem may not result in success and psychological well being as promised and about why having low self-esteem may not be the tragedy everyone seems to think it is. If anyone has any recommendations for a good book on this subject, please let me know.

[Darren Glazier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some quality chapters, but at times it like it was just unfocused rambling. Still worth a read if self-esteem and/or truth interests you.

[a]

ok, this is the one i'm actually reading