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Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory is a comprehensive framework that explores the intricate web of relationships influencing a child's development within their environment. This theory divides these influences into complex layers, each exerting its impact on the child's growth and maturation. In examining the development of a child, we must consider various factors, including their biology, immediate family and community, broader environment, and the societal landscape. Any changes, developments, or challenges within one layer have the potential to ripple throughout the other layers, shaping the child's overall development.
Bronfenbrenner's Social Ecology Model, often referred to as the Bioecological Systems Theory, delves into the multifaceted layers that form a child's developmental context.
This theory consists of six layers, each of which plays a significant role in shaping a child's growth and experiences (Parquette and Ryan, 2001). At the core of Bronfenbrenner's model is the Individual, emphasizing the child's own biology as a primary environment that fuels their development (Parquette and Ryan, 2001).
Within the context of this theory, it is crucial to recognize that a child's unique individual characteristics, such as age, sex, health, and personality, play a pivotal role in shaping their interactions and experiences with the world around them.
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To illustrate this theory in practice, we will explore the case of Bradley Cooper, an eight-year-old boy of Aboriginal descent, who faces specific challenges related to his health and social environment.
Bradley Cooper is an eight-year-old male, the second eldest of four siblings, and belongs to the Aboriginal community.
His development has been influenced significantly by two key factors: his struggle with asthma and his hearing loss, which resulted from inner ear infections. These health challenges have contributed to Bradley's shyness and withdrawal in social settings, ultimately affecting his confidence and performance at school.
The Microsystem is the layer that encompasses the immediate influences closest to the child. It comprises the people and places that the child encounters on a daily basis, all of which contribute to the child's perception and experiences. Bradley Cooper's Microsystem is centered around his family and community in Dubbo, NSW, a large outer regional town. Notably, outer regional areas like Dubbo are common living places for Aboriginal people, with a significantly higher proportion (23.1%) compared to the general Australian population (10.1%) ("Statistical Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia," 2005).
Bradley attends the local state primary school, where he is currently in Year Three. Like many Aboriginal children, his performance slightly lags behind the national average in reading and writing, as indicated by the NAPLAN test results. Additionally, Bradley interacts with other community members through after-school care and his participation in weekend AFL activities. According to Bronfenbrenner (1979), an increase in the size of a child's microsystem, resulting from enduring reciprocal relationships, can enhance child development (p. 23).
The Mesosystem refers to the intricate interplay and connections between two or more settings within the Microsystem. The strength and diversity of these connections determine the influence of the resulting system on the child's development. In Bradley's ecological map, the key link between layers is his attendance at after-school care. This arrangement allows his mother to complete her shift as a hospital cleaner before picking up her children.
The Exosystem encompasses settings that do not directly involve the child but still exert influence through their impact on individuals within the child's Microsystem. For instance, Bradley's mother's employment as a hospital cleaner brings her into contact with other people and exposes her to experiences that indirectly affect Bradley. Similarly, Bradley's father's experiences with incarceration subtly shape his development.
The Macrosystem encompasses the broader societal values and cultural beliefs transmitted through families, schools, and organizations. Bradley's grandmother plays a significant role in fostering a strong sense of Aboriginal identity within the family. She shares traditional stories and customs, contributing to the family's connection with their heritage. Additionally, the family actively participates in cultural events at the local community center, where they learn about their Aboriginal heritage and engage socially with other community members. Bradley's mother also serves as a role model by working part-time to support the family while her husband is incarcerated, emphasizing the value of hard work and resilience.
The Chronosystem acknowledges that contexts can change over time, with historical shifts in societal attitudes impacting the health and well-being of families and children. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's formal apology to the Aboriginal stolen generation marked a significant step towards reconciliation and signified changing attitudes towards Aboriginal communities. Efforts are now underway to address the disparities in education, health, and welfare between Aboriginal people and the broader community.
Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory provides a valuable framework for understanding child development within the context of their environment. It highlights the intricate web of influences that shape a child's growth and experiences, emphasizing the significance of their individual characteristics, family, community, cultural values, and societal context. In Bradley Cooper's case, we see how his unique profile and the interplay of these ecological layers have contributed to his development, challenges, and opportunities.
Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory of Child Development. (2020, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/child-development-according-to-bronfenbrenners-theory-essay
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