Ecological Theory

Running Head: BRONFENBRENNER ECOLOGICAL THEORY

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory Analysis

Abstract
      Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory focuses on the individuals’ development in the context of internal and external layers of development. The theory illustrates how environmental influences affect the development of an individual.   Apart from the external environment influences, the person’s biological characteristics are also part of the primary environment that affects his/her growth. These biological characteristics interacts with the external environment, which includes the person’s family as well as the society in which he/she grows. Inconsistencies that may occur in any of the environmental factors may adversely affect the development of a person. This means that when studying issues concerning development in humans, the environment in which they live should not be ignored. This essay is a critique of how bronfenbrenner’s levels of influence shaped my development. It is an application of the ecological theory analyzing how these environmental factors influenced my decision to enter graduate school to obtain a master’s degree.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory
Microsystem

      The first system is the microsystem, which refers to the environment in which a child lives. This includes the parents, peers, teachers and the parents of other children. Under the microsystem, the individual engages in many direct social interactions with the environmental components. For example, children interact directly with the teacher in school, parents at home and peers during play. The experiences that an individual acquires under these circumstances are through active participation in the social environment. In other words, an individual contributes to the settings of the social environment, and also affects the lives of others (Santrock 2007). As a child, I attended high school in Cali, Colombia where I was born and brought up. The social setting adversely... [continues]

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