Overview
This lecture introduces Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, explaining how a child's development is shaped by multiple layers of environmental influence rather than biology alone.
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory
- Bronfenbrenner argued that environment, not just biology, shapes children's outcomes.
- The theory identifies five ecological systems influencing a child: Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, and Chronosystem.
- Poor environments often lead to negative family and school experiences, making success harder for disadvantaged children.
The Five Ecological Systems
- Microsystem: Direct influences (family, friends, school) surrounding the child daily.
- Mesosystem: Connections between microsystems (e.g., parent-teacher relationships).
- Exosystem: Social settings that indirectly affect the child (e.g., parent’s workplace).
- Macrosystem: Broader cultural, social, and economic factors (e.g., ethnicity, societal norms).
- Chronosystem: Changes over time affecting the child and their environment (e.g., divorce, parental remarriage).
Impact and Extensions
- Bronfenbrenner influenced the creation of the Head Start program to support disadvantaged children.
- Later, the bioecological model included gene–environment interactions, emphasizing environmental influence on genetic potential.
- Parent-child relationships are deeply embedded in broader social structures.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Microsystem — Immediate environment directly impacting the child (family, school, peers).
- Mesosystem — Interactions between elements of the microsystem.
- Exosystem — Indirect influences from social structures the child doesn’t interact with directly.
- Macrosystem — Overarching societal and cultural influences on all lower systems.
- Chronosystem — The dimension of time, reflecting life changes and transitions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Draw five concentric circles with yourself in the center and a timeline below; fill in all influencing people, institutions, and forces from your life.
- Add significant past and future events to the timeline.
- Consider how each system shapes your experiences.