Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

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A little boy playing alone in a room suddenly bursts out crying. His mother, who is making lunch in the kitchen, hears him and comes into the room to pick him up and carry him to the living room. What system does this scenario represent? Options: Chronosystem, Macrosystem, Exosystem, Mesosystem, Microsystem

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Microsystem

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The smallest and most immediate environment in which children live. It comprises the home, school or daycare, peer group and community environment of the children.

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Microsystem

Front

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. What system does this scenario illustrate? Options: Chronosystem, Macrosystem, Exosystem, Mesosystem, Microsystem

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Exosystem

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Children in war-torn areas will experience a different kind of development than children in a peaceful environment. What system does this relate to? (Chronosystem, Macrosystem, Exosystem, Mesosystem, Microsystem)

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Macrosystem

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A child moves to a new city with their family when they are in the 6th grade.

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Chronosystem

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A parent interacts with their child's teacher at a parent/teacher conference. What system does this interaction represent? Options: Chronosystem, Macrosystem, Exosystem, Mesosystem, Microsystem

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Mesosystem

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The people and places that children may not directly interact with, but may still have an impact on their lives.

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Exosystem

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This ecological system is composed of the children’s cultural patterns and values, specifically their dominant beliefs and ideas, as well as political and economic systems.

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Macrosystem

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This system adds the useful dimension of time to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. It demonstrates the influence of both change and constancy in the children’s environments. May include a change in family structure, address, parents’ employment status, as well as immense society changes such as economic cycles and wars.

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Chronosystem

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This system encompasses the interaction of the different microsystems which children find themselves in. It involves linkages between home and school, between peer group and family, and between family and community.

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Mesosystem