What is the focus of the ecological systems model in human development?

The ecological systems model emphasizes the importance of examining the various contexts and influences that shape an individual's development throughout their life. This model, introduced by Urie Bronfenbrenner, posits that a person's development is affected by multiple layers of their environment, ranging from immediate settings like family and school to broader societal influences.

By focusing on the interplay between the individual and their various environments—such as the microsystem (family, peers), mesosystem (interconnections between different microsystems), exosystem (influence of social settings that do not directly involve the individual), and macrosystem (cultural values, laws, and customs)—the ecological systems model highlights how these contexts can impact the developmental process. This holistic view recognizes that development is not solely a product of individual attributes or milestones, but rather a dynamic interaction between the individual and their surrounding ecosystems. This comprehensive approach to understanding human growth is crucial for addressing social, educational, and psychological needs within the context of the environmental factors that play a significant role in development.