Explains how a child's development is affected by social relationships and the surrounding world.
Uses a layered approach to understanding influences on a child's life.
Key Components
1. Microsystem
Definition: Closest relationships and immediate surroundings.
Examples:
Parents: Direct influence on life.
High School: Direct educational environment.
Superhero Friends: Peer group influencing personal and social activities.
Neighbors (the Zombos): Community influence through social activities like BBQs.
2. Mesosystem
Definition: Interactions between different parts of the microsystem.
Example:
Relationship between parents and friends: Conflict can arise, affecting personal life and activities such as being a superhero.
3. Exosystem
Definition: Settings that have an indirect influence on an individual.
Examples:
Mother's Workplace: Indirect effects on personal life depending on her work experiences.
Nemesis (Evil L): Indirect influence through adversarial interactions.
School Superintendent's Office: Administrative decisions affecting school life.
4. Macrosystem
Definition: Broader cultural environment and systems.
Examples:
Being a United States citizen: Cultural norms and traditions.
National customs and their influence on lifestyle and values.
5. Chronosystem
Definition: Transitions and events over time affecting development.
Examples:
Major life events and changes experienced throughout the lifespan.
Conclusion
Braun Funder's model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex influences on a child's development through various interconnected systems.
Each system plays a distinct role in shaping experiences and development.