EC 2.11 Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

Questions and Answers

What does ecological systems theory emphasize?

The effects of climate on development

The importance of genetics in development

The influence of the surrounding environment on development (correct)

The role of education alone in shaping behavior

What are the five levels of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory?

Microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, chronosystem

What is the microsystem?

The cultural context of an individual

The historical events impacting an individual

The system closest to the person with direct contact (correct)

Interactions between different microsystems

What kind of relationships are found in a microsystem?

Bi-directional relationships Signup and view all the answers

What does the mesosystem represent?

The interactions between different parts of the microsystem Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a mesosystem interaction.

The relationship between parents and teachers Signup and view all the answers

What is an exosystem?

A setting that indirectly influences an individual Signup and view all the answers

Can you provide an example of an exosystem?

A parent receiving a job promotion Signup and view all the answers

What does the macrosystem encompass?

Cultural and social systems affecting individuals Signup and view all the answers

How can the macrosystem affect a person's development?

It can have either a positive or negative effect. Signup and view all the answers

What dimension does the chronosystem represent?

The dimension of time in development Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of chronosystem influence.

The impact of growing up during the Great Depression Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecological Systems Theory

Developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, emphasizing the influence of surrounding environments on individual development.
Divides the environment into five levels: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem.

Microsystem

Closest system to the individual with direct contact; includes home, school, daycare, or work.
Contains family, peers, and caregivers; relationships are bi-directional.
Most influential level; individual’s reactions impact relationships within the microsystem.

Mesosystem

Comprises interactions between different components of the microsystem.
Highlights interconnectedness of individual microsystems and their influence on one another.
Example: Active parental involvement in school positively impacts a child’s development.

Exosystem

Involves settings where the individual is not an active participant, yet still influences them.
Decisions made in external contexts (e.g., a parent's job changes) can affect individual outcomes.
Example: Child experiences changes due to a parent's promotion or job loss.

Macrosystem

Encompasses the broader cultural environment impacting an individual’s development.
Includes economy, cultural values, and political systems; can have positive or negative effects.
Example: Contrast in development experiences between children in third-world economies versus those in the U.S.

Chronosystem

Represents the dimension of time in relation to development.
Timing of significant events can influence individual experiences; adult loss can affect youth differently depending on age.
Historical contexts (e.g., Great Depression or World War II) shape development through socio-economic conditions and cultural shifts.

Description

Explore the key concepts of Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory of Development through flashcards. Learn how various environmental systems influence a person's development, including the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. This quiz is ideal for students studying developmental psychology.