Introduction of Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory
Urie Bronfenbrenner was a famous Russian theorist that came up with a bioecological model of human and social development. Bronfenbrenner was born in Moscow, Russia and studied ecological theories. His bioecological theory was well known and describes a systems approach to human development. Bronfenbrenner believed that the human race lived and interacted within a series of systems. The bioecological model examined the social interactions and relationships in which development occurred. The bio aspect of the model observes the biological selves that are brought into the environmental process. The ecological aspect recognizes the social contexts in which someone develops. The theory proposed that humans live and interact within three systems: Microsystem (includes a mesosystem), exosystem, and macrosystem. The conceptual model demonstrates that the systems are each contained within the other and that the children are affected by all systems but some can be more direct to the child and have greater influence. Within the Microsystem, the child had direct interactions with parents, teachers, and peers. The intimate social and immediate physical environment all affect or influence the microsystem. Mesosystem is a sub group of the microsystem. The mesosystem involves the linkages between microsystems. This could include family, school, and relationships with peers. This system looks at the individual roles that the child plays in the microsystem. The exosystem involves the settings in which the child does not have an active role in the experiences that influence the child. This includes community, neighborhood and school boards. The macrosystem includes the broader culture in which the child lives. This could include social and cultural norms or political system. Each of these systems works to influence each other, but also to influence and be influenced by the child. Systems do transition to new ones but several systems can act on the child at one time.