What is the focus of the ecological systems theory proposed by Urie Bronfenbrenner?

The ecological systems theory, proposed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, emphasizes how various environmental systems influence individual development. This theory posits that a person's development is affected by different layers of environment, ranging from immediate settings such as family and school to broader contextual factors including cultural and societal influences.

Bronfenbrenner outlines several systems: the microsystem, which includes the individual’s immediate environment (family, peers, school); the mesosystem, which refers to the interactions between different microsystems; the exosystem, which encompasses settings that indirectly influence development (such as parents' workplaces); and the macrosystem, which represents the cultural and societal norms that shape those settings. By focusing on the interconnectedness of these systems, the theory provides a comprehensive understanding of how external factors contribute to a person's growth and development across their lifespan.

This perspective contrasts with other developmental theories that might focus primarily on intrinsic factors, such as personality traits, biological aging processes, or genetic influences, which are not the primary concern of this ecological framework. The ecological systems theory highlights the importance of context and environment, providing a holistic approach to understanding human development.