Minnie Ward
Child Family Society 312
Professor Stephanie Heald
Ashford University
September 10, 2012
The Bioecological Model of Human Development
Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model of Human Development has four basic systems. These four systems include the microsystem, mesosystem, ecosystem and macrosystem. These bio directional systems are interactions the child experiences that are responsible for shaping their socialization process. In this paper I will identify all of the four systems and the influences that they have on a child’s development. I will explain how the systems in the model differ from one another. I will analyze the outside influences that impact a child’s development, and provide examples of the relationships and interactions for each of the four systems. Because of the impact the relationships and interactions have on a child’s development I will show the importance of the Bioecological Model of Human Development. The development of the ecological theories that shape development was theorized by Urie Bronfenbrenner. He described the four systems that contain settings and factors that influence a child’s development. His Bioecological Systems Theory, shows while biological changes in a child are the primary sources of development, the external factors are huge contributors as well. It is stated that the body supports and directs all body actions and operations influenced by the outward interaction with the environment. That explains why the child thrives with positive results with proper input or negative repercussions with negative input. “ James Garbarino states “ The child who is not adequately nurtured or loved , such as one who is brought up in an abrasive or dysfunctional family , may have developmental problems.” (Berns,R 2012) The first system that influences development is the microsystem. The microsystem refers to the interaction and relationship that the
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