One of the most well-known systems theories in psychology is Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. The model consists of several interrelated systems, beginning with the individual at the center then expanding to include the individual’s immediate family and friends (microsystem); extended family, school, and work (exosystem); and culture and society as a whole (macrosystem). This model can be used as a framework to understand human development and behavior and to design effective interventions to address many different psychological and societal issues.
Consider how this model might be applied to better understand the development and behaviors of a transgender teenager. Suppose the teenager, who now calls herself Shelly, has recently informed her parents and close friends that she would like to officially transition to being a girl. Initially she is overjoyed that her parents and close friends are supportive (microsystem). Then, after attending school for a week and going to a family reunion dressed as a girl, Shelly is met with harsh criticisms from some of her peers and teachers at school as well as her grandparents (exosystem). In fact, she overhears her parents and grandparents arguing about her transition and is immediately overcome by guilt and despair. Finally, while she is encouraged by positive media regarding a celebrity who recently transitioned, she is saddened to learn that the larger public opinion and recent government policies are discriminatory to transgendered persons (macrosystem). Therefore, due to her desire to become accepted at school, by her grandparents, and by society at large, she decides to stop her transition even though it causes her great distress to do so.
As you consider how this model might be utilised to better understand the development and behaviours of a transgender teenager, consider the following: Consider the following scenario: the teenager, who has chosen the name Shelly, has lately notified her parents and close friends that she wishes to formally transition from being a boy to being a girl. She is first thrilled that her parents and close friends are supportive of her decision (microsystem). Shelly is then subjected to harsh criticism from some of her friends and teachers at school, as well as her grandparents, after attending school for a week and attending a family reunion disguised as a female (exosystem). In fact, she overhears her parents and grandparents talking over her transition and is immediately overwhelmed with feelings of remorse and hopelessness. Finally, while she is heartened by favourable media coverage of a celebrity who has just transitioned, she is saddened to learn that the general public’s attitude toward transgender people, as well as current government policies, are discriminatory (macrosystem). Consequently, motivated by her desire to be accepted at school, by her grandparents, and by society at large, she decides to postpone her transition, despite the fact that doing so will cause her immense anguish.
This example illustrates the complex and competing pressures among the systems of Bronfenbrenner’s model, which can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the individual at the center of the model. In this discussion, you will consider how the model applies to the competing pressures in your own life.
To Prepare
Read the article, General systems theory: Its past and potential. Pay particular attention to how von Bertalanffy’s general system theory originated and evolved and how the author of the article characterizes the terms, “systems,” “structures,” and “relations.”
Review Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model, located in this week’s learning resources. Focus on the meaning and interrelationships among the microsystem, exosystem, and macrosystem from a child’s perspective. Consider how these systems would be generalized to apply to an adult.
Using Bronfenbrenner’s model, identify two out of three systems (microsystem, exosystem, macrosystem) and their settings (school, work, family gatherings, neighborhood, country, etc.). Think about how demands and expectations in one setting might impact your ability to meet demands and expectations in another setting.
By Day 3
Post a response to the following:
Identify the two systems you chose and describe settings within each system that influence your life and behavior/activity. Then explain how demands and expectations in one setting could impact the ability to meet demands and expectations in another setting. Be specific.
