Ecological Systems

The central premise of ecological systems theory is the view of development as emerging from the interaction of individual and environment. Urie Bronfenbrenner, known as the developer of this theory, focused his research on the interrelationship of different processes and the importance of context on human development. Central to ecological systems theory is that development does not occur in isolation but rather in relation to one’s family, home, community, culture, and society. These ever-changing and multilevel environments, as well as one’s interactions within them, are central to development. First proposed by Bronfenbrenner in 1979, the theory underwent significant revisions and adaptations in application to different developmental processes and interventions, until his death in 2005. It is now a widely accepted framework for grounding research and ...