...Ecological Systems Theory I chose Ecological systems theory as my Term paper topic. Ecological systems theory, also called development in context or human ecology theory, identifies five environmental systems with which an individual interacts. The Microsystem which is the innermost level of the environment, The Mesosystem. The second level of Bronfenbrenner’s model, the mesosystem, encompasses connections between microsystems. The exosystem which consists of social settings that do not contain the developing person but nevertheless affect experiences in immediate settings, the outermost level of Bronfenbrenner’s model, the macrosystem, consists of cultural values, laws, customs, and resources and the cronosystem, ever changing environment. [Development through the Lifespan, Sixth Edition pg 24] This theory provides the framework from which community psychologists study the relationships with individuals' contexts within communities and the wider society. Ecological systems theory was developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. This theory also looks at a child’s development within the context of the system of relationships that form his or her environment. Bronfenbrenner’s theory defines complex “layers” of environment, each having an effect on a child’s development. [Dede Paquette – John Ryan] http://www.dropoutprevention.org/sites/default/files/paquetteryanwebquest_20091110.pdf I chose this topic because I feel that focusing on one aspect of development throughout the...
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...HS 5003, Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior Course Instructor: Gerald Thauberger, MS, DM 05/30/2009 Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory Aaron D. Stewart "Ecological systems theory is an approach to study of human development that consists of the 'scientific study of the progressive, mutual accommodation, throughout the life course, between an active, growing human being, and the changing properties of the immediate settings in which the developing person lives, as this process is affected by the relations between these settings, and by the larger contexts in which the settings are embedded'" (Bronfenbrenner, 1989, page or #). When reading and researching to gain deeper understanding and appreciation of personal development, it is clear that we, as humans, continually change and adapt to our environment. Bronfenbrenner's levels of development play an essential role in this process. The first stage in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory is the Microsystem. The Microsystem is described as the intimate system (the one we interact most commonly with); this system consists of family, school, peers, neighborhoods, churches, and health services. The Microsystem is the layer closest to the child and contains the structures with which the child has direct contact. The Microsystem encompasses the relationships and interactions a child has with their immediate surroundings (Berk, 2000). At this level, relationships have impact in two directions...
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...!1 Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory identifies 5 environmental systems that act with bi-directional influences amongst context and individuals to describe human development. From most intimate to least intimate, the components of this theory include: microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, macrosystems, and chronosystems (Berk, 2010). This paper will describe how each of these systems shapes an individual’s life progression by analyzing their effects at the ages of twenty-five and forty-five on an interviewee, Kitty. These ages were chosen specifically because of the significant gap in their maturity levels. The majority of people experience different settings and relationships as young adults than they do later in their life and therefore the contexts the individual faces will be appropriately different at each of the two time periods. The most immediate connections and activities that are made on a day-to-day basis fall under the category of a microsystem (Berk, 2010). The birth of Kitty’s first daughter falls under this level of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. At the age of twenty-five, Kitty’s daughter became the center of her attention and therefore one of the most important microsystems in her life at this time. She gave her child support, comfort, and everything necessary for survival, while the child motivated her mother to mature and take on more responsibility. This is an example of how there is always a...
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...I use the ecological systems theory when evaluating the interconnectedness of individuals, families, institutions, and societies. Individuals exist within an environment comprised of five layers, including the microsystem, ecosystem, microsystem, and the chronosystem. When examining a social problem, such as domestic violence, applying the ecological systems theory can enhance your understanding of the systemic interactions of the levels and the individual’s relationship to their environment. If a married woman is a victim of domestic violence, you could examine the interaction between the woman and her environment. The interactions between the levels can have a positive and negative impact on the person. For instance, the woman may be...
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...needs to have a “toolbox” full of skills and theories that are broad enough to work with a diverse clientele. The decision of what should go in the toolbox is dictated by the social worker’s framework, which is the beliefs, experiences, and theories the social worker possess about society, humans, and their behavior. I will develop my own theoretical framework by discussing the nature of human beings, whether human behavior is purposeful, what makes people change, what the role of the environment is, the effect of human development on behavior, my social work personality and style, my...
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...Considering the Present Tony Camp PSY 202 Professor Henry 7/29/2014 In this paper I will discuss how becoming a father and how being the first in my family to attend college had a profound influence on my life. I will asses the influence of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System Theory of each experience. According to (Mossler, 2013) “Urie Bronfenbrenner proposed a theory of ecological systems, which focused on broad, interconnected influences on human development.” (Section 2.6 “Urie Bronfenbrenner and Ecological System Theory,” para. 1). I will also examine how I learned from each of my experiences that are apparent in whom I am today and how these experiences apply to my online learning. There was a time when my wife and I thought we were incapable of having our own children together. Her doctor told her that she would never have children due to a procedure that was done during her early teen years on her cervix. This discouraging news made it seem impossible for us to have own our children. Despite the news, we never stopped trying. One day we finally got our blessing and it was confirmed that my wife was pregnant. I remember feeling like I had just hit the lotto when I got the news. The excitement only grew once the months rolled on. It was an incredible feeling when I got the chance to hear the heart beat for the first time and to find out that we were having a boy during a 3D ultrasound. I was ecstatic about becoming a father. I always wanted my own family and I...
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...their social contexts resulted in increased efforts. Bronfenbrenner believed that a person’s development was affected by everything in their surrounding environment(Developmental Psychology, 2013). He therefore divided the person’s environment into five incomparable levels(microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and the chronosystem) and has had a particularly wide and significant influence in shaping our understanding of how different levels of the system in the social context interact in the process of child development.Thus this essay will discuss these different environmental levels by referring to my educational background and examining the influences in my life. Microsystem Beginning with the first level of Bronfenbrenner's theory: the microsystem which is the system closest to the person and the one in which they have direct contact. Some examples would be home, school, daycare, or...
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...Ajee Miles March 14, 2014 Child Development Dr. McMillian American Promise Bronfenbrenner’s theory stated that there were five environmental factors that impacted an individual's growth and development: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem. Throughout the documentary we come across issues of race, class and opportunity which all are related to Bronfenbrenner’s theory. According to Bronfenbrenner, “The theory focuses on the impact of biology on human behavior, while the ecological theory focuses on the impact that environment plays on the growth and development of an individual.” The documentary American Promise, directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, filmed their son, Idris, and his best friend, Seun. The journey showed the progress the children went through, as they went to one of the best private schools. This documentary shares the complex truths about America African struggles in today’s’ world. The images created of Black men in our society often confine them to environments shaped by drugs, crime, athletics, and academic failure. In this Documentary Idris and Seun are influenced by each level of Bronfenbrenner’s theory. Throughout the documentary they must learn how to live in a world where they are considered different. The microsystem refers to the environment in which an individual lives. This system includes family members, peers, religious communities, neighborhoods and others whom the individual has regular interaction...
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...Penney and Annabel Tremlett | Description of work | Formative assignment | Word Count | 550 | Student Number (s) | 488901, 486768 | Date Submitted | 9th November | An Innovative Approach to Social Work Introduction The ‘ecological systems theory’ has been adapted to Children Services in New South Wales, Australia, as an approach to understanding the child in their context , which could be used to define a person’s behaviour in later life. This theory looks at how the child’s environment has an effect on their growth and development, providing a basis for how professionals can intervene in early years to support the child and family (Garbarino 1990, NICHD, 2000) (“Practice Grounded in Theory”, 2008). The model contrasts internal, individual or biological factors with external, social, environmental and relational factors (Wong and Cumming, 2008), implementing a holistic approach to the intervention. It combines the individual, the family and the community in underpinning issues that have contributed to the child’s development. For example, examining the child’s social factors could involve liaising with the school, the home, and other agencies, gaining an understanding of the whole situation. History of the ecological system This approach was evolved by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979 which looks at the different systems which could influence a child’s life. The micro system is the relationship the child has with their immediate surroundings (Berk, 2000)...
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...American society is becoming an increasingly common trend as the years go by. Fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce and with each passing year, about 2 million children are brought into a whirlwind filled with changes and chaos after their parent’s separation (Divorce Rate). During this period of turmoil and intense emotion, the child is expected to rebuild numerous aspects of their lives and understand a series of complex events. They are most likely to see the sudden difference in financial stability, new duties around the house and may receive less nurturing from their parents as well. These series of events will lead to a difference in each of Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems, which include, the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and the chronosystem. This ecological systems theory primarily puts the center of attention on the quality of a child’s environment and also focuses on how these complex layers will each effect a child’s development through the divorce period. Many may think that while a child of divorce is in their infant stage, that a divorce will not affect their lives. This is mainly because it is believed that the child will automatically grow into a life where they are used to their parents being separated and not encounter severe changes like other children who deal with divorce at an older age. Although infants may not completely understand the conflict of divorce, they are able to sense and react to changes in parental nurturing...
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...Women are uniquely challenged by the expectation (their own and that of others) that they will resume full time parenting responsibilities along with other challenges related to family reunification (Boehm 2005). Children especially are affected negatively by having one parent incarcerated. Department of Justice statistics indicate that children with just one incarcerated parent are 7 times more likely than their peers to become incarcerated themselves (Poehlmann, 2010). Theoretical Framework. The ecological system theory can be implied to help understand the reason why emotional needs need to be in effect for men, women, and extended families who were recently incarcerated. The ecological systems theory developed by psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner...
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...Hughes Child Family & Society: SOC312 Melda Gaskins Date submitted Introduction Urie Bronfenbrenner led to the development of the ecological theories that shape development. He depicts four systems that contain norms, rules and norms that influence a child’s development. Renamed ‘bioecological systems theory’, emphasis is that the biological changes in a child are the primary sources of any development while the external factors are huge contributors ‘will steer the development’, (Addison, J.T, 1992). It has been held that the body supports and directs all body actions and operations influenced by the outward interaction with the environment. The microsystem encompasses the relationships and interactions a child has with her immediate surroundings (Berk, 2000). Structures in the microsystem include family, school, neighborhood, or childcare environments. At this level, relationships have impact in two directions - both away from the child and toward the child. For example, a child’s parents may affect his beliefs and behavior; however, the child also affects the behavior and beliefs of the parent. Bronfenbrenner calls these bi-directional influences, and he shows how they occur among all levels of environment. The interaction of structures within a layer and interactions of structures between layers is key to this theory. At the microsystem level, bi-directional influences are strongest and have the greatest impact on the child. However, interactions at outer levels...
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...A Discussion of the Theories of Bronfenbrenner and Vygotsky Connie Hassan 2015 Abstract Child development is defined as a normal progression by which children change as they grow older by acquiring and refining knowledge, adjusting behaviours and mastering new skills. As children grow there are both quantitative and qualitative differences between them. Quantitative differences emerge in that children acquire more knowledge and grow physically larger and stronger. Qualitative differences in the way children think, behave, and perceive the world differently as they mature. Many theories of child development have emerged as researchers continue to try to support, contradict or integrate differing points of view. Theories of child development have reflected the thinking of the times in which they arose. Some more recently developed theoretical perspectives focus on children’s internal processes and others on external influences related to development. This essay will discuss two different theoretical approaches - sociocultural theory, which stresses that social interaction is fundamental in the role of physical, cognitive and social development, and ecological systems theory, which integrates a holistic approach to encompassing the key individual and environmental influences on child development. The focus of the discussion is a comparative analysis of a theory from each of these approaches. A Discussion of the Theories of Bronfenbrenner and Vygotsky According to Berk...
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...1) Introduction a. The “Babies” video showed us three different children. There was Ponijao from Namibia, Bayarjargal from Mongolia, and Mari from Tokyo. b. We meet the easygoing Ponijao, her mother and other members of her Himba tribe outside her family's dirt hut in Namibia. Curious Bayarjargal lives with his parents and siblings and a herd of cattle on their farm in remote Mongolia. Mari has a toy-filled existence in a small apartment with her parents in Tokyo. c. I was expecting more differences, because of the different cultural systems they were raised in, but I was struck by how similar their development was chronologically. This is, like, I think the theme is much more about the similarities than the differences. (Basically, all their basic needs, even like if the Namibian baby virtually doesn't have anything of what we consider comfort and like, wealth, they are like very rich according to the local standards, and they are very happy with their life.) ("Director Finds Parallels, Differences In 4 'Babies'") d. Director Thomas Balmes spent nearly two years traveling the globe to capture the early lives of Bayarjargal from Mongolia, Ponijao from Namibia, Mari from Japan and Hattie from the United States. The idea, he says, came to him five years ago from a French producer. "[He said], 'Why don't we do a wildlife documentary on babies?' Well, I said, 'What is this crazy idea?' And then the more I was thinking about it, the more I thought there could be something...
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...YOU AND YOUR ENVIRONMENT Otherwise known as the Human Ecology Theory, the Ecological Systems theory states that human development is influenced by the different types of environmental systems. Formulated by famous psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner, this theory helps us understand why we may behave differently when we compare our behavior in the presence of our family and our behavior when we are in school or at work. the Five Environmental Systems The ecological systems theory holds that we encounter different environments throughout our lifespan that may influence our behavior in varying degrees. These systems include the micro system, the mesosystem, the exosystem, the macro system, and the chronosystem. 1. THE MICRO SYSTEM The micro system's setting is the direct environment we have in our lives. Your family, friends, classmates, teachers, neighbors and other people who have a direct contact with you are included in your micro system. The micro system is the setting in which we have direct social interactions with these social agents. The theory states that we are not mere recipients of the experiences we have when socializing with these people in the micro system environment, but we are contributing to the construction of such environment. 2. THE MESOSYSTEM The mesosytem involves the relationships between the microsystems in one's life. This means that your family experience may be related to your school experience. For example, if a child is neglected by his parents...
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