Bronfenbrenners

Ecological Systems Theory

- Willy Jay Mortel

Children need people in order to

become human.
- Urie Bronfenbrenner

Ecological Systems Theory

Holds that we encounter

different environments
throughout our lifespan
that may influence our
behavior in varying
degrees.

The FIVE layers

Microsystem:

Relationships with direct

contact to the child
Mesosystem: Connection between
relationships of childs microsystem
Exosystem: Structures in which child
does not have direct contact
Macrosystem: Cultural context
Chronosystem: the transitions and
shifts in one's lifespan.

Based on Bronfenbrenner, U. 1979. The Ecology of Human Development. Cambridge: Harvard

University Press.

Microsystem
Variables that the child is directly exposed to
Relationships:

Family, school, religious

institution, neighbors

Family: Most influential and durable influence on child

Environment:
Childs

Geographic, Material structures

body

General health
Brain functioning physiological and psychological
Emotions
Cognitive System

 Most

of the childs behavior is learned in the

microsystem
The microsystem consists of bi-directional
influences

Parents actively shape the development of the

child
Children actively shape their environment

Personal attributes influence responses from other people

Children actively select and avoid specific environments

Bi-directional relationships are the foundation for a

childs cognitive and emotional growth

Mesosystem
Interconnections between the
microsystems
Interactions between the family and
teachers
Relationship between the childs peers
and the family

Exosystem
Institutions of society that indirectly affect
a childs development
Parents workplace
Funding for education

These impact a childs development by

influencing structures in the microsystem