IPS1501
ASSIGNMENT 4 2025
UNIQUE NO. 820836
DUE DATE: 26 AUGUST 2025
, Introduction to Personal and Social Wellbeing
QUESTION 1
Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological Theory
Introduction
Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological theory of human development highlights the
interconnectedness of the individual and the multiple environments that shape growth. It
emphasises that children do not develop in isolation but within complex systems that
interact with one another (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Understanding these systems is
crucial for educators, parents, and policymakers to support children’s holistic
development.
Content
Bronfenbrenner initially introduced the ecological systems theory, later refining it into the
bio-ecological model. The theory identifies five interrelated systems that influence a
child’s development:
1. Microsystem – the immediate environment such as family, school, peers, and
neighbourhood. For example, the support a child receives from parents and
teachers directly impacts learning outcomes (Donald, Lazarus & Lolwana, 2014).
2. Mesosystem – the interaction between different microsystems. For instance,
cooperation between parents and teachers enhances the child’s academic and
social adjustment.
3. Exosystem – settings that do not directly involve the child but still influence
them. For example, a parent’s workplace policy (flexible hours or stress levels)
indirectly affects the child’s well-being (Santrock, 2018).
4. Macrosystem – the broader cultural, societal, and policy context. Cultural
values, political systems, and economic conditions determine opportunities and
constraints in development.
ASSIGNMENT 4 2025
UNIQUE NO. 820836
DUE DATE: 26 AUGUST 2025
, Introduction to Personal and Social Wellbeing
QUESTION 1
Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological Theory
Introduction
Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological theory of human development highlights the
interconnectedness of the individual and the multiple environments that shape growth. It
emphasises that children do not develop in isolation but within complex systems that
interact with one another (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Understanding these systems is
crucial for educators, parents, and policymakers to support children’s holistic
development.
Content
Bronfenbrenner initially introduced the ecological systems theory, later refining it into the
bio-ecological model. The theory identifies five interrelated systems that influence a
child’s development:
1. Microsystem – the immediate environment such as family, school, peers, and
neighbourhood. For example, the support a child receives from parents and
teachers directly impacts learning outcomes (Donald, Lazarus & Lolwana, 2014).
2. Mesosystem – the interaction between different microsystems. For instance,
cooperation between parents and teachers enhances the child’s academic and
social adjustment.
3. Exosystem – settings that do not directly involve the child but still influence
them. For example, a parent’s workplace policy (flexible hours or stress levels)
indirectly affects the child’s well-being (Santrock, 2018).
4. Macrosystem – the broader cultural, societal, and policy context. Cultural
values, political systems, and economic conditions determine opportunities and
constraints in development.
