Ecological Systems Theory

Children’s growth and development occur in a variety of settings and relationships. For example, in the home with family, in the school with teachers, or in the community with peers. These multiple aspects of children’s lives have an influence and can directly or indirectly affect growth and development. Children cannot solely be examined in one setting or laboratory setting.

 

In 1977, American psychologist, Urie Bronfenbrenner, proposed the Ecological Systems Theory. He suggested that the environments surrounding the child can be structured and organized into the degree of which it impacts the child. There are five ecological systems, the microsystem, the mesosystem, the exosystem, the macrosystem, and the chronosystem.

 

THE MICROSYSTEM

The microsystem is the first and the closest system in Bronfenbrenner's Theory. This system may include family, school, peers, neighborhood, daycare, religious organizations, or health organizations. The interactions within these settings are often very personal. It is crucial to foster and nurture children within these direct interactions and relationships. 

 

THE MESOSYSTEM

The mesosystem is the second system. This describes the interactions between the child’s microsystems. For example, the interaction between the child’s parents and teachers. Parent involvement and teacher support is beneficial for the child.

 

THE EXOSYSTEM

The exosystem in the third system in the Ecological Systems Theory. This layer may include extended family and neighbors, school boards, government agencies, social services and health care, mass media, or parents’ economic situation. In these environments, the child may not be directly involved. However, the experiences within the exosystem may still have an impact on the child. An example of its effect is parents’ economic situation. The parents may both be working jobs to make ends meet for the family. This may create tension and stress within the family. The child may not be receiving attention from their parents when they come home from a long day’s work. 

 

THE MACROSYSTEM

The macrosystem is the fourth system. In this system, Bronfenbrenner highlights the effects of cultural attitudes and ideologies on children’s growth and development. This may include socioeconomic status, wealth, poverty, or ethnicity. 

 

THE CHRONOSYSTEM

The chronosystem is the fifth and final level of the Ecological Systems Theory. Bronfenbrenner proposed that this system is the culmination of all the changes that occur during a child’s lifespan. This may include major life transitions or historical events.

 

The Ecological Systems Theory is a significant model and framework utilized by teachers, psychologists, and sociologists. Child growth and development is explored in the numerous environments, contexts, and relationships surrounding them. These systems and as importantly the interactions between these systems directly or indirectly affect the child. It is important to view the child holistically and be inclusive of the different systems the child is in.