ABSTRACT
This question is not as straightforward as might seem at first glance. As with all complicated questions, answers for this one also depend on how the terms of the debate are set out and on one’s assumptions about the nature of the phenomenon at hand. And, a debate it has been! The notion of self-esteem is not only one of the most important concepts of our time, but also one of the most controversial, especially when applied to matters of child-rearing, schooling, and social policy. Thus, it is important that I begin with a clear definition of self-esteem, followed by an analysis of the nature of the controversy, and conclude with a theoretical and empirically based perspective that hopefully paves the way for some constructive answers.
