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Relations of Urie Bronfenbrenner the Ecological Systems Theory to the “Growing up in New Zealand”

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Introduction
The purpose of this essay is to choose and summaries one developmental theory; and discuss its relevance in relation to findings from the “Growing up in New Zealand” study.
I have chosen Urie Bronfenbrenner the Ecological Systems Theory. I will look at the findings of the Now We Are Born Report that has collated study cohort data from birth to 9 months old (Morton, Atatoa-Carr, Grant, Lee, Bandara, Mohal, Kinloch…et al 2012). I will discuss how two finding relate to Brofenbreener’s model.
Urie Bronfenbrenner: Ecological System Theory
Urie Bronfenbrenner states “that in order to understand human development, one must consider the entire ecological system in which growth occurs “(Brofenbrenner, 1993). His Ecological System Theory describes five different concentric layers (see figure 1.0) of differing environment context that interact to affect child development (Clairborne, Drewey 2010, p20).

Figure 1.0. Retrieved and adapted from: http://faculty.weber.edu/tlday/human.development/ecological.htm
At the centre, the child, who’s genes, genetic predispositions and temperament influences their biological process, behavior and personality. The child interacts with the Microsystem or the system in which the child lives. The agents of socialisation the child interacts with directly such as family, peers, and daycare. This interaction is two ways and the child’s participations helps create the environment the interaction takes place in (Santrock, 2004, p 50).

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