The problem that everyone in "Little Miss Sunshine" is dealing
with, is actually self-esteem or self-worth. Grandpa Hoover is into
pornography (which is considered by some a self-worth issue), dad
Richard Hoover lacks confidence in his career as a pitchman
(salesman, just the opposite of what a salesman needs), Dwayne the
brother is a teen dealing with his value generally (and you'll
remember doesn't speak until he finds that his value is in
protecting his sister), mom Sheryl is dealing with whether she's a
good enough and supportive mom, and of course Olive is dealing with
thinking that only if she's a pageant contestent is she pretty and
of value -- and she is purposely made to look "dumpy" to boot. At
least that's my take on it.