In social psychology, how is the concept of self-esteem viewed?

The concept of self-esteem in social psychology is viewed as a socially constructed idea. This means that self-esteem is influenced by social interactions, cultural norms, and the perceptions and expectations of oneself as shaped by the environment. Rather than being an inherent trait or purely based on objective measures of success, self-esteem is developed through personal experiences, relationships, and feedback from others.

Social psychology emphasizes that self-esteem varies across individuals and cultures due to the different values and standards that societies uphold. People's self-esteem can fluctuate based on their successes and failures in social contexts, as well as on comparisons with peers. Therefore, understanding self-esteem requires an awareness of the social influences and constructs that shape an individual's self-evaluation, highlighting its dynamic and context-dependent nature.