Ecological Systems Theory

Ecological systems theory:
This theory looks at a child’s development within the context of the system of relationships that form his or her
environment. Bronfenbrenner’s theory defines complex “layers” of environment, each having an effect on a child’s
development. This theory has recently been renamed “bioecological systems theory” to emphasize that a child’s own
biology is a primary environment fueling her development. The interaction between factors in the child’s maturing
biology, his immediate family/community environment, and the societal landscape fuels and steers his development.
Changes or conflict in any one layer will ripple throughout other layers. To study a child’s development then, we
must look not only at the child and her immediate environment, but also at the interaction of the larger environment
as well.
Bronfenbrenner
Bronfenbrenner’s structure of environment:
The microsyste...