In UrieBronfenbrenner’s theory of the Ecological Systems, there are 5 systems that the theory extends and branches out to. The Ecological Systems theory states that different types of environmental systems and humans interactions with them influence human development. In the theory, which is also known as the Human Ecology Theory, Bronfenbrenner mentions the 5 systems that influence our behavior in different ways. Two of these systems are the Mesosystem and the Exosystem. In Dr. Kimberly Britton’s latest book, The Slave Within, the Ecological Systems Theory and the 5 systems are discussed in great detail. Here are the informative description of the two systems by Psychology Notes Hq:
· Mesosystem
The mesosystem encompasses the interaction of the different microsystems that children find themselves in. It is, in essence, a system of microsystems and as such, involves linkages between home and school, between peer group and family, and between family and community.The mesosystem involves the relationships between the microsystems in one's life. This means that your family experience may be related to your school experience. For example, if a child is neglected by his parents, he may have a low chance of developing a positive attitude towards his teachers. Also, this child may feel awkward in the presence of peers and may resort to withdrawal from a group of classmates.
According to Bronfenbrenner’s theory, if a child's parents are actively involved in the friendships of their child, for example, they invite their child's friends over to their house from time to time and spend time with them, then the child's development is affected positively through harmony and like-mindedness.
However, if the child’s parents dislike their child’s peers and openly criticize them, then the child experiences disequilibrium and conflicting emotions, which will likely lead to negative development.
· Exosystem
The exosystem pertains to the linkages that may exist between two or more settings, one of which may not contain the developing children but affect them indirectly nonetheless.The exosystem is the setting in which there is a link between the context where the person does not have an active role and the context wherein is actively participating. Suppose a child is more attached to his father than his mother. If the father goes abroad to work for several months, there may be a conflict between the mother and the child's social relationship, or on the other hand, this event may result in a tighter bond between the mother and the child.
Based on the findings of Bronfenbrenner, people and places that children may not directly interact with may still have an impact on their lives. Such places and people may include the parents’ workplaces, extended family members, and the neighborhood the children live in.
For example, a father who is continually passed up for promotion by an indifferent boss at the workplace may take it out on his children and mistreat them at home.
About The Author
Dr. Kimberly Britton is an accomplished writer, organizational leader, playwright, and psychotherapist. Britton is the author of the famous trilogy Poetic Revelations to include Romantic Interlude, Psalms of the Soul, and Expressions of the Spirit.
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