Ecological systems theory

Ecological systems theory (also called development in context or human ecology theory) offers a framework through which community psychologists examine individuals' relationships within communities and the wider society. The theory is also commonly referred to as the ecological/systems framework. It identifies five environmental systems with which an individual interacts. The Ecological systems theory was developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. Ecological systems theory (also called development in context or human ecology theory) offers a framework through which community psychologists examine individuals' relationships within communities and the wider society. The theory is also commonly referred to as the ecological/systems framework. It identifies five environmental systems with which an individual interacts. The Ecological systems theory was developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. The person's own biology may be considered part of the microsystem; thus the theory has recently sometimes been called Bioecological model. Per this theoretical construction, each system contains roles, norms and rules which may shape psychological development. For example, an inner-city family faces many challenges which an affluent family in a gated community does not, and vice versa. The inner-city family is more likely to experience environmental hardships, like crime and squalor. On the other hand, the sheltered family is more likely to lack the nurturing support of extended family. Since its publication in 1979, Bronfenbrenner's major statement of this theory, The Ecology of Human Development has had widespread influence on the way psychologists and others approach the study of human beings and their environments. As a result of his groundbreaking work in human ecology, these environments — from the family to economic and political structures — have come to be viewed as part of the life course from childhood through adulthood. Bronfenbrenner has identified Soviet developmental psychologist Lev Vygotsky and German-born psychologist Kurt Lewin as important influences on his theory. Bronfenbrenner's work provides one of the foundational elements of the ecological counseling perspective, as espoused by Robert K. Conyne, Ellen Cook, and the University of Cincinnati Counseling Program. There are many different theories related to human development. Human ecology theory emphasizes environmental factors as central to development. Children who depend on technology for play and entertainment grossly limit their creativity and imagination as well as the optimal growth of their sensory motor skills. Bombarding sedentary young bodies with chaotic sensory stimulation can result in the delay of developmental milestones. The subsequent impact on the development of foundational literary skills (3,4), has caused France to ban all 'Baby TV' (5).Violent content found in media has had such an impact on child aggression that the United States has classified media violence as a public health risk (6,7). Students entering schools struggle with discipline and attention skills required for optimal learning, which can result in major behaviour management problems for teachers in the classroom.