Bronfenbrenner's Analysis
Running head: bronfenbrenner’s analysis
Bronfenbrenner’s Analysis
Maria Christina Nielsen
Capella University-Online
Dr. Joyce Johnson
May 8, 2011
Absract
This paper analyzes and evaluates how Bronfenbrenner’s levels influenced my decision to attend graduate school and how they may impact career goals within my area of specialization. Bronfenbrenner develops a multi-level hierarchy of influences from the closest and most personal to the most abstract and societal. The purpose of my paper is to discuss, analyze, and evaluate Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System Theory in relation to human development
In the early 1970s’ Urie Bronfenbrenner developed an ecological theory of human development. Bronfenbrenner’s book, “The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design” (Bronfenbrenner, 1997) discusses in depth the ecological systems levels as the micro-meso-exo-macro- and the fifth system, the chrono-system layer. Bronfenbrenner summarized his theory utilizing concentric spheres in where the child begins his or her development in the center of the spheres. Comparing each sphere “…as a set of nested structures, each inside the next, like a set of Russian dolls” (Bronfenbrenner,1979. p.3). Researchers found that a key factor in parent’s effectiveness was engaging in the child’s activities and environment. Darling (2007), asserts that “parental monitoring” of their children’s activities decreased the levels of behavioral problems and lead to “higher levels of adult approved activities” (Darling, 2007). Therefore, competence among children will “…depend on the quality of their environment” (Bronfenbrenner, 1999). Children from negative, deprived, disorganized backgrounds display more frequent and severe dysfunctional behavior in order to gain parental attention. On the other hand, parents providing attentive, stable and positive environments provide gratifying and positive reinforcement in aid of the children’s growth.
Bronfenbrenner’s Analysis
Maria Christina Nielsen
Capella University-Online
Dr. Joyce Johnson
May 8, 2011
Absract
This paper analyzes and evaluates how Bronfenbrenner’s levels influenced my decision to attend graduate school and how they may impact career goals within my area of specialization. Bronfenbrenner develops a multi-level hierarchy of influences from the closest and most personal to the most abstract and societal. The purpose of my paper is to discuss, analyze, and evaluate Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System Theory in relation to human development
In the early 1970s’ Urie Bronfenbrenner developed an ecological theory of human development. Bronfenbrenner’s book, “The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design” (Bronfenbrenner, 1997) discusses in depth the ecological systems levels as the micro-meso-exo-macro- and the fifth system, the chrono-system layer. Bronfenbrenner summarized his theory utilizing concentric spheres in where the child begins his or her development in the center of the spheres. Comparing each sphere “…as a set of nested structures, each inside the next, like a set of Russian dolls” (Bronfenbrenner,1979. p.3). Researchers found that a key factor in parent’s effectiveness was engaging in the child’s activities and environment. Darling (2007), asserts that “parental monitoring” of their children’s activities decreased the levels of behavioral problems and lead to “higher levels of adult approved activities” (Darling, 2007). Therefore, competence among children will “…depend on the quality of their environment” (Bronfenbrenner, 1999). Children from negative, deprived, disorganized backgrounds display more frequent and severe dysfunctional behavior in order to gain parental attention. On the other hand, parents providing attentive, stable and positive environments provide gratifying and positive reinforcement in aid of the children’s growth.
References: Bronfenbrenner, U., (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1979). ISBN 0674224574 Bronfenbrenner, U. (1994). Ecological models of human development. International Encyclopedia of Education, Vol. 3, 2nd. Ed. Oxford: Elsevier. Retrieved April 27, 2011 from: EBSCO Bronfenbrenner, U. (1999). Environments in developmental perspective: Theoretical and operational models. In S. L. Friedman, T. D. Wachs, S. L. Friedman, T. D. Wachs (Eds.) , Measuring environment across the life span: Emerging methods and concepts (pp. 3-28). Washington, DC US: American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/10317-001 Bronfenbrenner, U. (1976). The experimental ecology of education. Educational Researcher Vol. 5, No. 9 (Oct., 1976), pp. 5-15. Retrieved April 28, 2011 from: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1174755 Darling, N. (2007). Ecological systems theory. The person in the center of circles. Research in Human Development. Vol. 4, Issue 3 & 4, DOI: 10.1080/15427600701663023 Oswalt, A. (2008). Urie Bronfenbrenner and child development. Retrieved April 28, 2011 from: http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=7930