Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

The Theory

He looks at children's development within the context of the system of relationships that form his/her environment. --Complex layers of environment. --Each Layer has an effect on the child's development.

Chronosystem

This system encompasssas he dimension of time as it relates to a child's environment. --Elements within this system can be either external,(like the timing of a parent's death) internal (such as psychological changes that occur with the aging of a child). --As they grow older, they may react differently to environmental changes and may be able to determine how these changes influence them.

Microsystem

--The closest Layer to the child. --Child has direct contact with these structures. --Involves the relationships and interactions the child has with his/her environment.

Macrosystem

--The outer most layer in the child's environment. --Not a specific structure. --Is comprised of cultural values, customs and laws. --Has a cascading influence by interactions of all levels.

Exosystem

--This Layer defines the Large Social System in which the child does not function directly. --The structures in this layer impact the child's development by interacting with some structure.

Meseosystem

--This layer provides the connections between the structure of the child's microsystem. Example: the connections between the child's teacher and parents.