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Urie Bronfenbrenner, a renowned developmental social scientist, was instrumental in establishing the Head Start program. Prior to his death in the 1970s, he formulated a complex theoretical model that centers on human development within a social context. Known as the "bioecological systems" theory, it integrates sociology and developmental psychology to highlight the mutual influence between individuals and their surroundings. As per this theory, children advance through various interconnected systems:
The microsystem, the first level of environmental influence on human development, includes individuals who have direct interaction with the person such as immediate family members, schoolteachers, and peers.
This level also involves the everyday settings in which the person is engaged, like home, school, church, and neighborhood environments (Bronfenbrenner, 1993). Tracy Foy experienced a significant loss when their father passed away during childhood. As a result, older siblings took on more adult roles and their mother became the sole provider for the family. Being the youngest child, Tracy did not fully grasp the immediate impacts of this situation.
Tracy's mother was a key influence in her development, creating a strong bond between them after her father passed away.
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This close relationship shielded them from outside influences and played a vital role in Tracy's growth as the youngest daughter. Although her mother was open about personal development, they both realized that their limited time together was noticeable.
Dr. Linda Mintle, a licensed clinical social worker and author of A Daughter's Journey Home, emphasizes the enduring influence Tracy's mother had on her family with her love and compassion even after she died.
The importance of the mother-daughter relationship in developing relationship-building skills that impact all other relationships is underscored. Establishing and cultivating a meaningful connection with one's mother can result in stronger connections with others. (Christian Broadcasting Network 2008)
Tracy's close relationship with her mother had a profound impact on her values and interactions with others. Her mother emphasized the importance of academic success and independence, inspiring Tracy to pursue a counseling career where she can authentically share life experiences. The influence of this bond on Tracy's personal growth and professional path is undeniable.
Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory highlights the significance of the mesosystem, which explores how an individual's microsystems interact. This involves examining how the connection between parents and schoolteachers can impact development (Bronfenbrenner 1996). For example, Tracy's academic progress was shaped by her older siblings who served as father figures and set ambitious academic objectives for her.
Tracy's peers viewed her as exceptionally mature and sought her guidance, leading her to pursue a career in counseling. According to Bronfenbrenner's theory of development, the exosystem encompasses the individual's extended family, parental friends and colleagues, legal services, governmental agencies, and mass media - all external influences that impact an individual's development.
As per Bronfenbrenner (1996), Tracy was greatly impacted by her older sister's separation experience in middle school. Despite her sister's resilience, Tracy felt deep sadness and reflected on the effects of divorce on children, especially her young nephew caught in the middle. Seeing her sister reconcile brought Tracy immense joy and relief, influencing her ambition to assist parents with marital issues to avoid divorce as she studies counseling.
Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development states that the macrosystem includes an individual's ethnicity, cultural beliefs, and ideologies from their upbringing (Bronfenbrenner, 1996). Tracy, with a mixed heritage of Italian and Austrian/Hungarian descent, was raised by grandparents who immigrated from Austria to the mid-west. Tracy learned the importance of individuals being able to pursue their own paths in life independently and without government interference.
Tracy was brought up with the belief that personal success comes from dedication and effort, despite financial challenges. The macrosystem's impact on her life inspired her to pursue a career in empowering individuals to seek self-reliance and independence, rather than relying on government aid. Bronfenbrenner first introduced the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem as environmental systems in his 1979 book, The Ecology of Human Development.
Later on, a fifth system called the chronosystem was added to his theory, which focuses on how one's environment changes over time (Boemmel & Briscoe, 2003). When Tracy was 14, right before starting high school, her family relocated to a different community and school district. This move led to significant changes in her micro-systems during a crucial period of her development from girlhood to womanhood. Moving to a new community, neighborhood, school, and peer group allowed her to develop the ability to "re-invent" herself.
Tracy's charm and effervescence have helped her become a sociable individual, building connections with others. Her ability to easily forge new friendships and embrace change as an adventure has been beneficial in her counseling career, inspiring her to pursue graduate studies to utilize these qualities in her future practice. Tracy's surroundings played a crucial role in shaping her personal growth and decision to further her education.
Tracy's choice of graduate school was significantly shaped by her strong bond with her mother and the compassion she learned while growing up. Analyzing Tracy's development and decisions using Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory reveals the vital role played by environmental influences. This analysis underscores the significance of Bronfenbrenner's contributions in The Ecology of Human Development, solidifying his status as a leading figure in developmental psychology at that time. (Kazak, et al, 2010)
Influential Environmental Factors in Human Development. (2020, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/urie-brofenbrenner-on-influence-of-environment-essay
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