Assumptions of Ecological Systems Theory
Assumptions of Ecological Systems Theory
The ecological systems theory, also known as the development in context or bioecological
model, was developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner to understand the complex interplay between an
individual and their environment. The theory posits that a person's development is influenced by
a range of interconnected systems or contexts, which are categorized into five levels:
Microsystem: The immediate environment in which an individual interacts with regularly, such
as family, peers, school, and community.
Exosystem: The external systems that indirectly influence an individual's development, such as
the parent's workplace or government policies.
Macrosystem: The cultural values, beliefs, and practices that influence an individual's
development, such as societal norms and economic systems.
Development is a continuous and dynamic process that occurs over a lifetime and is influenced
by both nature (biology) and nurture (environment).
Each system is interconnected and affects the individual's development in different ways.
The impact of each system changes over time and can have both positive and negative effects on
an individual's development.
The ecological systems theory emphasizes the importance of considering the broader social and
cultural context in understanding human development.
The microsystem refers to the immediate environment in which the individual interacts, such as
the home environment. Within the home environment, various factors can influence secondary
students' management of learning behavior, such as parental support, available resources, and
family dynamics. By examining these factors, researchers can gain insights into the microsystem
and how it impacts students' learning behavior.
The mesosystem refers to the interactions between different microsystems, such as the
relationship between the home and school environments. Research on the effect of home
environment on secondary students' management of learning behavior can examine how the
home environment interacts with other contexts, such as the school environment, and how these
interactions impact students' learning behavior.
The exosystem refers to the broader societal context in which individuals function, such as
community resources and social policies. The exosystem can impact students' management of
learning behavior by influencing the availability of resources and support, as well as the social
and cultural norms surrounding education. For example, socioeconomic status can impact the
resources available in the home environment and impact students' learning behavior.
The macrosystem refers to the broader cultural context, including the beliefs, values, and
customs of the society. This can influence how families view education and the expectations they
have for their children's academic success. By examining the macrosystem, researchers can gain
insights into the cultural factors that impact students' management of learning behavior in the
home environment.
By considering the ecological systems theory, researchers can gain a holistic understanding of
the multiple contexts that impact secondary students' management of learning behavior in the
home environment. This can inform the development of interventions and policies aimed at
improving students' academic success and well-being by addressing the multiple factors that
impact their learning behavior