Which Two Theories Comprise the Ecological Family Systems Theory and Highlight

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The Answer is Ecological family systems theory, also known as the ecological systems theory or the bioecological systems theory, is an approach to understanding human development within the context of the systems of relationships that form a person's environment. This theory was developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner and is comprised of two core theories: the ecological systems theory and the family systems theory. These theories highlight the developmental and societal influences on families by considering the complex interactions between individuals, their families, and the broader environment.

1. Ecological Systems Theory: This theory, primarily developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, posits that there are several layers of environmental influences that affect an individual's development. These layers are structured as follows:

- Microsystem: The immediate environment in which a person lives, such as family, school, peers, and neighborhood.
- Mesosystem: The interconnections between the microsystems, such as the relationship between a child's home and school.
- Exosystem: The larger social system that does not directly contain the individual but affects them, such as a parent's workplace or community services.
- Macrosystem: The broader cultural values, laws, and customs of a society that influence an individual's development.
- Chronosystem: The dimension of time, which includes life transitions, historical events, and how they interact with an individual's development.

2. Family Systems Theory: This theory focuses on the family as a unit and how its members interact with each other. It was developed by scholars such as Murray Bowen and Salvador Minuchin and suggests that what happens to one family member affects all other members. The key concepts include:

- Boundaries: The rules that define who is in and out of the family and how members interact with each other.
- Hierarchies: The organization of family roles and power structures.
- Homeostasis: The family's tendency to resist change and maintain equilibrium.
- Subsystems: The smaller units within the family, such as the parental subsystem or sibling subsystem.
- Communication patterns: The ways in which family members interact and convey information to one another.

By integrating these two theories, the ecological family systems theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how various environmental factors and family dynamics interact to influence an individual's development over time. It emphasizes that development is a result of the continuous interplay between individuals and their multiple environments, including the family, community, and broader society. This perspective is particularly useful for professionals in fields such as psychology, social work, and education, as it helps them to consider the various systems that contribute to a person's behavior and well-being.

Which Two Theories Comprise the Ecological Family Systems Theory and Highlight

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Which Two Theories Comprise the Ecological Family Systems Theory and Highlight

Short Answer

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Correct Answer:
Answered by ExamLex AI