Bronfenbrenner Analysis

Urie Bronfenbrenner proposes an ecological theory that centers on the relationships between the developing individual and the changing environmental system (Crandell, Crandell & Vander Zanden 2009 p. 52). His theory changed the way many social and behavioral scientists approached the study of human beings and their environment (Ceci p.173). The ecological theory for human development surpassed barriers among the social sciences and forged bridges which allowed enhanced findings in a larger capacity (Ceci p.173). Initially, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory was looked at as being a radical thought (Ceci p.173). His Ecological Theory consist of stages the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and the macrosystem. Later Bronfenbrenner would add the chronosystem because he believed that change would occur over time (Crandell, Crandell & Vander Zanden 2009 p.53). As I have become more familiar of the work of Bronfenbrenner and his Ecological Theory I can think of a lot of my life that could fit into various stages. Bronfenbrenner’s first stage in his ecological theory of development is the microsystem which consists of the network of social relationships and physical setting (Crandell, Crandell & Vander Zanden 2009 p.11). As I think about my microsystem it involved my mom, my two brothers, neighbors, my peers, and various other people. Thinking about the various relationships I have had over my life and some of those I still have are very meaningful piece that assisted with shaping me into the man I am. The positive interaction with others as well as the negative one taught me a great deal as far as life and how I should carry myself as a man. Thinking about my social relationships I would like to breakdown my relationship with my mother. She taught me a lot and I try to let her know that on a regular basis. She did not have a degree but she was very smart and knew how to take care of her business. She instilled in me and my brothers the importance of going to college

Bibliography: Bronfenbrenner, U. (2000). Ecological Systems Theory. Encyclopedia of Psychology , 129-133. Ceci, S. J. (2006). Presents an Obituary for Urie Bronfenbrenner. The American Psychologist , 173-174. Crandell, T. L., Crandell, C. H., & Vander Zanden, J. W. (2009). Human development (9th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education