Skip to content

About

Contact

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

Instagram

Search

ADOLESCENT TRENDS FOR DUMMIES

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN WORKING WITH YOUTH

Ecological Systems Theory

Ecological Systems Theory

A person’s development is affected by the environment that they live in. A persons environment is
broken down to 5 parts: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem.

Microsystem: the environment that someone has direct contact with including places they frequently
attend as well as the relationships they have with people (family, peers, teachers etc).

Mesosystem: the interactions between the microsystems of a person. For example Jimmy might attend
an expulsion program, and his social worker works with Jimmy but Jimmy’s parents are actively involved
with the social worker as well to make sure Jimmy is attending and doing his part at home. If parts of
Jimmy’s microsystmes are not working together then it could affect his development negatively.

Exosystem: when someone is not an active participant but it still affects their development. For example
if Jimmy’s mom loses her job, and his mom complains everyday that they are tight on money it could
cause him to become depressed or anxious if he takes on the same worries as his mom.

Macrosystem: larger systems that affect someone, and the culture that they live in. For example it could
be the economy, elections or cultural practices. If Jimmy grows up in a Muslim family and lives in a
Muslim community he might grow up to believe in the same practices.
Chronosystem: the environment in which you are a part of changes over time. For example
technological change, a newborn sibling added to the family, and moving into a new house.

Research to Practice: Youth workers and teachers should understand that youth are compromised of
multiple layers and they differ due to the environment they live in. Youth workers should be sensitive to
the fact that everyone’s situation is different and should be treated as individuals.

Reference: Roundy, L. (n.d.). Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory of Development: Definition &
Examples. Retrieved on October 05, 2016 from http://study.com/academy/lesson/bronfenbrenners-
ecological-systems-theory-of-development-definition-examples.html#lesson.

Picture Reference: Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory [Diagram]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://study.com/cimages/videopreview/bronfenbrenners-
macrosystem-definition-examples-
quiz_113467.jpg&imgrefurl=http://study.com/academy/lesson/bronfenbrenners-ecological-systems-
theory-of-development-definition-
examples.html&h=576&w=1024&tbnid=XLkxDZAULUzR7M:&tbnh=119&tbnw=214&docid=hz9Axgv_OFP
1VM&client=safari&usg=__i9cRrLfFo-
pOGNV8ZfHHtNr57qo=&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjugIHV3vbPAhWJ64MKHQTADLsQ9QEIJzAA#h=576&imgdii
=XLkxDZAULUzR7M%3A%3BXLkxDZAULUzR7M%3A%3BlKi5Hy7SCKsKzM
%3A&tbnh=119&tbnw=214&w=1024

ADVERTISING
Advertisements

REPORT THIS AD

Share this:

TwitterFacebook

SEARCH

Search for:

Search

Search

TEXT WIDGET

This is a text widget, which allows you to add text or HTML to your sidebar. You can use them to display
text, links, images, HTML, or a combination of these. Edit them in the Widget section of the Customizer.

© 2020 ADOLESCENT TRENDS FOR DUMMIES

CREATE A FREE WEBSITE OR BLOG AT WORDPRESS.COM.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.

To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy