Analysis of Bronfenbrenner Theory

Analysis of Bronfenbrenner 's Ecological Theory of Development

Before I began to write this paper I wanted to know the definition of child development. It means “Child development refers to the biological and psychological changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy. Because these developmental changes may be strongly influenced by genetic factors and events during prenatal life, genetics and prenatal development are usually included as part of the study of child development. Related terms include developmental psychology, referring to development throughout the lifespan, and pediatrics, the branch of medicine relating to the care of children. Developmental change may occur as a result of genetically-controlled processes known as maturation, or as a result of environmental factors and learning, but most commonly involves an interaction between the two.” (Wikipedia)

"Bronfenbrenner (1979, pg.27) states "Development never takes place in a vacuum, it is always embedded and expressed through behavior in a particular environment." In proposing the ecological model as a research tool, Bronfenbrenner wants to move away from the traditional focus that sees either the environment of the person instead of the relationship between them as the most important aspect of development. Furthermore he wants to focus on the process of development rather than concentrate on isolated variables at a single point in time." (Crandell, Crandell, & Vander Zanden, 2009)

“Bronfenbrenner was one of the first psychologists to adopt a holistic perspective on human development, developing his Ecological Systems Theory which had a widespread influence on the way psychologists and other social scientists approach the study of human beings and their environments. Bronfenbrenner emphasized the importance of the social environments in which children are raised, and saw the breakdown of the family as leading to the ever growing rates of alienation, apathy, rebellion, delinquency, and violence among American youth. His work led to new directions in research and in the design of programs and policies affecting the well-being of children and families.” (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/)

“Each system contains roles, norms, and rules that can powerfully shape development. According to the ecological theory, if the relationships in the immediate microsystem break down, the child will not have the tools to explore other parts of his environment. Children looking for the affirmations that should be present in the child/parent (or child/other important adult) relationship look for attention in inappropriate places. These deficiencies show themselves especially in adolescence as anti-social behavior, lack of self-discipline, and inability to provide self-direction.

The major statement of this theory, The Ecology of Human Development (1979), has had widespread influence on the way psychologists and other social scientists approach the study of human beings and their environments. It has been said that before Bronfenbrenner, child psychologists studied the child, sociologists examined the family, anthropologists the society, economists the economic framework of the times, and political scientists the political structure.

As a result of Bronfenbrenner 's groundbreaking work in "human ecology," these environments, from the family to economic and political structures, have come to be viewed as part of the life course from childhood through adulthood. The "bioecological" approach to human development broke down barriers among the social sciences, and built bridges between the disciplines that have allowed findings to emerge about which key elements in the larger social structure, and across societies, are vital for optimal human development.” (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/)

His theoretical model transformed the way many social and behavioral scientists approached the study of human beings and their environments. It led to new directions in basic research and to applications in the design of programs and policies affecting the well-being of children and families both in the United States and abroad. Bronfenbrenner 's work provides one of the foundational elements of the Ecological counseling perspective

Bronfenbrenner 's theory looks at a child 's development within the content of the system of relationships that form his or her environment. Bronfenbrenner believes there are four levels of environmental factors that develop a child. These levels are the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem.

The micosystem is the closet layer to the child. This level contains the structure that has direct contact with the child. These structures include:

-family
-school
-peers
-neighborhood
-church
-health services

At this level relationships have impact in two directions both away from the child and toward the child these are called bi-directional influences. What Bronfrenbrenner was trying to show with these bi-directional influences is that relationships have impact in two directions, meaning a child 's parent may affect his or her beliefs and behavior, however the child also affects the behavior and beliefs of the parent.

The mesosystem level provides the connection between the structure of the child 's microsystem (Berk,2000). For example the connection between the child 's teacher and his or her parents or between the church and his or her neighborhood.

The next level is the exosystem. This level is comprised of extended family, educational system, legal services, governmental agencies, mass media and friends of family. This level defines the larger social system in which the child doesn 't function directly.

The final level is the macrosystem. This level is comprised of cultural beliefs and ideologies. The effects of culture, customs, ideologies, laws, etc. as defined by the macrosystem have a cascading influence throughout the interactions of all other levels in Bronfenbrenner 's ecological theory of development.

I had never heard of the Bronfenbrenner theory before doing this project however in analyzing it I realized how his ecological theory of development and the different levels describe how a lot of the decisions I made in my life were determined.

In respect to my decision to enter grad school, every level of Bronfenbrenner ecological theory of development played a part.

In my microsystem level family and school were my biggest influences. My family always encouraged and supported me in going back to school. My family always believed in me and was very proud of my accomplishments especially with me being the first one to graduate college. I contemplated many days about going back to school since I have 3 children and a full time job, however my family has tremendously supported me just like they said they would. Their support and opinions encouraged me to start the process of pursuing my Master 's degree.

The next level mesosystem played a role in my decision as well. The structure in my life that connected the most was family and church. Even with the support of my family I went to church and prayed and my family prayed with me to ensure this is what God wants of me. There is a strong connection between my family and church because church is where my family raised me.

The exosystem I believe played the largest role in making my decision to go back to school. I stated that because the educational systems kept sending me advertisements in reference to grad school so seeing those advertisements caused my desire to go back to school to stay at the forefront of my mind. Also the governmental agency that I particularly work for there is no advancement from the entry level without a graduate degree so since I am not content or complacent with entry level work or entry level pay I had to go back to school to progress in my career.

The final level, the macrosystem played a part because in my culture education is important and also mandated until a certain age. It was embedded in me that education is something that I should value and cherish. It was instilled in me at a young age that education is a priority and a must in the household I was raised.

In analyzing Bronfenbrenner 's theory it caused me to understand a lot about why people make the decisions and choices they make. It also helped me to understand the decisions are complex as well as development. There is no one factor that makes a person who they are, there are many factors comprised that make a person who they are.
References

Urie Bronfenbrenner. (2008, April 2). New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:54, November 8, 2010 from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Urie_Bronfenbrenner?oldid=678460.

Crandell, T. L., Crandell, C. H., & Vander Zanden, J. (2009). Human Development. McGraw Hill

References: Urie Bronfenbrenner. (2008, April 2). New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:54, November 8, 2010 from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Urie_Bronfenbrenner?oldid=678460. Crandell, T. L., Crandell, C. H., & Vander Zanden, J. (2009). Human Development. McGraw Hill