What does ecological theory emphasize in human development?

Ecological theory, primarily developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, emphasizes the importance of environmental contexts in human development. This perspective posits that development is influenced by various systems of relationships that individuals experience throughout their lives, ranging from immediate settings like family and school to broader socio-economic and cultural contexts.

The core component of ecological theory is the idea that a person's environment comprises multiple layers, such as the microsystem (immediate environments like home and school), mesosystem (interconnections between microsystems), exosystem (external environmental settings that indirectly influence development), and macrosystem (cultural and societal norms). By focusing on these environmental contexts, ecological theory acknowledges that human development does not occur in isolation but rather is a dynamic interplay between individuals and their changing environments over time.

Understanding this emphasis on environmental contexts aids in recognizing how factors such as community resources, family dynamics, and social policies can significantly shape and influence development across different stages of life.