Lecture on Bronfenbrenner's Ecological System Theory

Introduction

• Presenter: Uri Bronfenbrenner
• Context: Presented before the US Congress in 1964
• Objective: Change the perception that poverty is purely biological by emphasizing the role of environmental factors

Ecological Systems Theory Overview

• Theory suggests that a child is influenced by five ecological forces:
  1. Microsystem
  2. Mesosystem
  3. Exosystem
  4. Macrosystem
  5. Chronosystem

Microsystem

• Direct influences on the child, such as family and friends
• Children from difficult backgrounds more likely to face challenges

Mesosystem

• Interconnections between the microsystem elements
• Example: relationship between parents and teachers affecting the child

Exosystem

• Links between social settings not directly involving the child
• Example: Parent's work experiences influencing home life

Macrosystem

• Overarching cultural influences
• Example: Geography and ethnicity impacting opportunities

Chronosystem

• Changes over time in both the child and their environment
• Example: Divorce, life transitions affecting the child's development

Impact and Legacy

• Influences: Lev Vygotsky and Kurt Lewin
• Outcome: Influenced the creation of the Head Start program in 1965
• Extended Theory: Developed the "bioecological model" with Stephen Ceci
  • Recognizes gene-environment interactions
  • Highlights that heritability is influenced by environmental contexts

Key Contributions

• Emphasizes that parent-child relationships are not isolated but embedded in larger structures
• Famous quote: "every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her."

Activity

• Exercise for understanding personal ecological systems:
  • Draw five circles with self at center
  • Add a timeline with past and future events
  • Reflect on how these five forces shape life

Further Reading

• Visit sproutsschools.com for more information or to download the video without background music.