Ecological systems theory:

This theory 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. This theory has recently been renamed "bioecological systems theory" to emphasize that a child's own

biology is a primary environment fueling her development. The interaction between factors in the child's maturing

biology, his immediate family/community environment, and the societal landscape fuels and steers his development.

Changes or conflict in any one layer will ripple throughout other layers. To study a child's development then, we

must look not only at the child and her immediate environment, but also at the interaction of the larger environment

as well.

Bronfenbrenner

Bronfenbrenner's structure of environment:

The microsystem – this 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 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 can still impact the inner structures.

The mesosystem – this layer provides the connection between the structures of the child's microsystem (Berk, 2000).

Examples: the connection between the child's teacher and his parents, between his church and his neighborhood,

etc.

The exosystem – this layer defines the...