Brofenbrenner's Chronosystem Development Model

Studies in developmental psychology have strongly indicated that a variety of factors play a considerable role in who we become, but some have more impact than others. Brofenbrenner (1986) suggests employment of the term “chronosystem” as an elaboration on the widely accepted mesosystem development model. He explains that while the mesosystem focuses on the primary context for development, which is within the family, the chronosystem also accounts for the effect of the environments in which people live, which are also an integral part of human development. Santosh’s story provides an example of how the mesosystem model would indicate a given developmental path, but when factors of the environment are taken into account, development looks quite
different. For Santosh, some of the major influences on her family life were ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, education, and her peers/local community support. Although there is very little information provided in the videos, there are some conclusions we can draw from the interactions shown within the family.
Santosh is from Deli, India where ethnic and religious traditions are often strictly adhered to, and play a substantial role in Indian culture. In a traditional Indian household, women’s sole purpose is to look after the men of the family. Women are of such small value that the birth of a daughter is often seen as a burden rather than a blessing. Santosh’s father openly admits his disappointment at her birth, and very clearly and freely favored her brothers throughout childhood. Although it isn’t directly stated in the video, Santosh’s family likely practices the Hindu faith, which is largely responsible for her father’s attitude towards her gender as well as his disinterest in her education.
Even into adulthood, education was of little interest in Santosh’s family, however it was monumentally impactful for her as an individual.
Although the family was from a poor community with a sub-par socioeconomic standing, her father still managed to fund the education of her brothers, but refused contribute in any way on her behalf. Santosh learned at an early age that she would have to work very hard to create a bright future for herself. In many cases, a low socioeconomic status is attributed to increased developmental deficiencies, however Brofenbrenner (1986) explains that through the family environment and school interaction, the positive effects of these interactions on development can often outweigh the negative effects of socioeconomic status. Despite the fact that education was not a priority to Santosh’s father, her mother silently supported her unyielding dedication to education. In Santosh’s case, her socioeconomic status didn’t hinder her developmental path (which is commonly seen), but rather seems to have fueled her drive to attain the education necessary to secure a job suitable for providing a stable future for her
family.
While Santosh received little support from her family, she experienced a great deal of support from the community and her peers.
The video explains that Santosh is involved in a work-training program that allows her to build relationships with other peers in the program while building professional skills and training for a job that will ensure suitable pay and a stable future for her family. Brofenbrenner (1986) emphasizes how positive peer support can outweigh family support in several aspects of development. He goes on to explain that many developmental theorists have fixated on the experiential role of peer interaction on both moral and cognitive
development.
While at first her parents were adamantly against the late-night work, after seeing the comradery between peers, and the enriching environment in which Santosh was spending her time, they had a change of heart. These changes in parental interest in Santosh’s education and employment are referred to by Brofenbrenner (1986) as posttransition changes, because they tend to come about after (or sometimes during) a major transition. Once her parents were able to see the many benefits her new environment had to offer, they not only accepted her involvement, but they even encouraged it. Her hard work and self-perseverance not only drove her to attain the education that she desired so much, but has stabilized and improved the living conditions for her entire family.