Report
Swick and Williams' (2006) article, An Analysis of Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological Perspective for Early Childhood Educators is an instructional guide for professionals working directly with families experiencing stress likened to homelessness, violence, and chemical dependency. Families are examined through the application of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory. By making use to the Bio-Ecological systems theory, Swick and Williams (2006) presented a different level of understanding for educators; arguing that one can discover more from viewing the family in a broader context as a oppose to an isolated incident (p.375). According to Swick and Williams (2006) this particular theory is effective in examining family dynamics because it incorporates all internal and external factors influencing family relations (p.371). Knowledge of these factors is imperative for early childhood professionals assisting families and children through the use of different approaches. Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory (1979) outlines development in congruence to the five environmental systems. The Ecological Systems Theory proposes the idea that five environmental subsystems both directly and indirectly affects human growth and development. Swick and Williams (2006) further explored how these five systems; micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono shapes families' responses to homelessness, violence, and chemical dependence. Ultimately the information relayed in the article is guided towards shaping the attitudes of early childhood professionals working directly with families and children who are experiencing challenges that require professional guidance. Through this essay Swick and Williams (2006) were able to provide professionals with tips on how to interact with families in a supportive and understanding manner in order to encourage change for these families.
Critical Response
Swick and Williams’ (2006) article was organized around Brofenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory. The discussion was guided towards understanding how the family functions according to Bronfenbrenner’s system and implications this interaction may have upon the child’s development. The author made valid points in arguing how this can be an effective tool for professionals to use when working with families because it looks at the family through a bigger lens. The ecological systems theory provided a unique perspective in the examination of families experiencing stress, nevertheless, there are some limitations in Bronfenbrenner’s theory when focusing on the internal stressors affecting families. The stressors discussed within this article could be perceived as chronic and can have damaging effects upon the function of the family system. Understanding this I would argue Reuben Hill's (1949) ABC-X model would be a more effective theory professionals can use when working with families experiencing stress. Swick and Williams (2006) chose to examine the Ecological Systems theory because of it promotes inclusiveness of all interlocking systems impacting family function. The inclusiveness found in this particular theory is presented as a strength however, this can also be considered as a limitation. Although the efficacy of each theory is subjective when examining family problems focus should be narrower and change should begin within the family system. The ABC-X Model is similar to the Ecological Systems theory in the sense that the family unit is viewed as a whole but this model also views the stressor event in accordance to how families perceive and cope internal and external stressors through the manipulation of their available resources. Being able to understand this model ultimately benefits professionals whose goal is to assist families resolve their problems.
Ecological Model
Center
My name is Giselle Andrea Linares. I am a 25 year old female, have the height of 5’2, and weigh 100 pounds. I have dark brown hair but on occasion I color it and at the moment my hair is a auburn. I was born in the United States but am of Mexican and Salvadorean decent and am very proud of my Hispanic roots. In my family I am the smallest of three children as well as the only daughter. I have always had a slender frame and although I don’t exercise I am very cautious of the foods I consume as I try not eat foods heavy in fat and prefer to balance my diet through fruits and vegetables. However, I do have a soft spot for bread and pastries. Normally I am not very social but when I become comfortable in situations I open up a little more and become more amicable. I would consider my humor to be a little dry and peculiar but I would consider myself to be entertaining and friendly. For the most part I am very soft spoken and reserved but I do have the tendency of expressing my feelings and opinions and don’t take kindly to people talking down to others. I enjoy helping others directly and indirectly which is why I enjoy helping my friends when they are in trouble. I believe the satisfaction I get from helping others has transcended into my future career goals where I hope I can help low-income families who are experiencing challenges due to lack of money, resources, or problems within the family system. I would hope to continue my education into graduate school and possible get a masters or doctorate degree in counseling or family therapy.
Microsystem
Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological Systems theory proposes the idea that a child’s development is shaped by a system made up from different environments. This theory suggests that our biological development influences the environment we interact with and these environments ultimately affects our development. The first level of the system is the microsystem; this is the immediate environment the individual interacts. This layer is closest to the individual because of its direct influence upon one's development. Factors included in the microsystem are the individual's family, school, peers, siblings, and childcare environment. Applying this level to myself requires evaluating the different institutions I interact with on a frequent basis. Institutions includes my school (CSUN), my workplace, my family, peers and coworkers. The interactions with my parents and siblings at home really influenced the beliefs and behaviors I engaged in when I was younger but also today. The relationships I have formed with my mother has been a positive experience and has been the core of my being. I have been fortunate enough to have my mother along my side when I was growing up and she has always been nurturing and a guiding force in my growth and development. Presently beliefs and behaviors continues to be influenced by the interactions I have with my parents, siblings, and peers but additional factors such as assuming new roles and responsibilities has changed the immediate influences included in my microsystem.
Mesosystem
The mesosystem is the second layer in Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory and is attributed to being the connecting factor between the internal and external layers of the system. For a child these connections are presented through parent-teacher, parent-sibling, and parent-peer interactions. Presently such interactions are a little different but still take place. An example would be a birthday party I hosted this year where I invited friends, family, and co-workers. Many of these individuals did not know each other prior to that night. I invited a friend I met at work and her family to the gathering. My parents and my friends' parents did not meet prior to that night and interacted for a brief period of time. On another night her parents invited us over for dinner and were very pleasant and hospitable but on this night I was able to observe connections between the exosystem and microsystem.
Exosystem. The exosystem outlines the environments the individual does not directly interact with but is inadvertently affected by. My mother owns her own family child care business. Through her business she works with families from different socio-economic levels. Some families are able to pay for the costs of child care out of pocket and others require the government assistance. My mother works with the government funded agencies who cover the costs of child care for families. These referral agencies subsidize costs for families and provide employment opportunities for my mother. Recently one of the agencies she works closely with has not been able to provide my mother with referrals because the agency does not have the sufficient funds to pay for the costs of childcare due to fund cuts from the government level. Although I am not directly interacting with my mother’s workplace I am directly affected by the problems she is experiencing with in her business because the financial problems she encounters trickles down to the stability of the family in addition she is more tense and worried because she is stressed by her work problems.
Macrosystem. The macrosystem is the penultimate level of the system and makes up the cultural beliefs, laws, political, social, and economical climate. This particular level includes laws and polices that impact the lives of many these decisions are made at the government level and can either improve or reduce our quality of life. The current administration is proposing laws and policies that are affecting many families who rely on government aid, health services, or protection in order to remain in this country. Keeping up with these political and social changes has been stressful because of the negative implications associated with policy changes. The recent attempt to remove the affordable health care act affects many families and individuals indirectly because it can limit our access to an affordable health care plan. Although policy makers have not been successful in rescinding the policy I worry about the possibility because I am an individual with an income is below the poverty line and paying for health insurance is costly. A big concern for me is no longer having access to preventative care services because I would no longer be able to afford it. In addition I fear getting sick because of the costs associated with a consultation or a trip to the ER.
Chronosystem. The chronosystem is the final layer and encompasses all events and transitions occurring throughout the life of a child or individual. A vivid memory I recall was the terrorist attack of 9/11 which took place when I was 9 years old. Although I was not directly affected by the events that transpired that day the events that transpired following the attacks trickled down affecting all families and individuals. This non-normative event drastically changed the behaviors and beliefs of families and individuals and there was an in patriotism. I remember in school the pledge of allegiance was recited with more pride and nuance. Subtle changes for me included being more active in keeping up with current events because I saw how our nation was affected by this historical point of time.