Overview
This lecture explains Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and how various environmental levels shape a child’s development, ultimately leading to programs like Head Start.
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory
- Bronfenbrenner argued that poverty is influenced by environmental, not just biological, factors.
- The theory identifies five ecological forces that impact child development.
The Five Ecological Systems
- Microsystem: Immediate environment (family, friends, school) directly affecting the child.
- Mesosystem: Interconnections between microsystem elements, such as parent-teacher relationships.
- Exosystem: Social settings not involving the child directly but impacting them, like a parent’s workplace.
- Macrosystem: Overarching culture, societal norms, religion, and geographic location influencing all other systems.
- Chronosystem: Changes in the environment and individual over time, such as family events or life transitions.
Implications and Impact
- Children in negative microsystems are less likely to succeed due to limited supportive connections.
- Parental relationships and connections with institutions (mesosystem) can affect a child’s experiences.
- External stressors like parental job loss (exosystem) influence family interactions and the child’s well-being.
- Cultural and societal factors (macrosystem) can limit opportunities regardless of individual potential.
- Life events and transitions (chronosystem) cause developmental changes and challenges over time.
Bioecological Model Extension
- Bronfenbrenner and Ceci expanded the theory to the “bioecological model,” acknowledging gene–environment interactions.
- Genes are influenced by environmental factors and the realization of genetic potential depends on ecological context.
Influence and Legacy
- The theory shaped the Head Start program, providing support beyond the family to the broader community for disadvantaged children.
- Emphasized that child-parent relationships are deeply embedded within larger social and cultural structures.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Microsystem — Immediate social environment such as family, peers, and school.
- Mesosystem — Interconnections among elements of the microsystem.
- Exosystem — Social systems not involving the child directly but influencing them.
- Macrosystem — Broad cultural and societal context affecting all systems.
- Chronosystem — The dimension of time and life events impacting development.
- Bioecological model — An extension acknowledging gene–environment interactions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Draw five circles with yourself at the center; label each circle with the corresponding system and add key people and institutions.
- Add a timeline marking significant past and expected future events.
- Reflect on how the five forces have shaped and continue to shape your life.