Braun Funder's Ecological Systems Model Overview

Apr 22, 2025

Braun Funder's Ecological Systems Model

Overview

  • 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.