Urie Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory

The major theory of development demonstrated by Life at 5: Great Expectations is Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological theory. This theory demonstrates that there are five levels of environmental influence that influence cognitive development: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem (Papalia, 2015, p. 32-33). A specific example of multiple levels affecting an individual is the story of Haleema from the documentary. Haleema’s microsystem (parents and home-life) influenced her development because at an early age her parents divorced, which could eventually cause cognitive delays or impairments as she grows up. Being Muslim (macrosystem/exosystem), Haleema’s parents are worried that she may be discriminated against, and possibly affect her cognitive development (Life at 5: Great Expectations, scene 5). Temperament, or “a person’s characteristic way of approaching and reacting to situations” (Papalia, 2015, p. 67), is directly related to school success according to this documentary. This video specifically discusses a persistent temperament, which is the ability to do tasks, schoolwork, etc. without being distracted. “Those who demonstrate greater persistence are more likely to do well at school,” says Professor Stephen Zubrick. Common characteristics of children, as …show more content…
Haleema and her mother read a total of three books every night; Haleema reads two and her mother reads one to her. According to our book, there is a correlation to children who have been read to daily and better cognitive and language skills (Papalia, 2015, p. 67). Haleema demonstrates a very advanced vocabulary and literacy, therefore provides a specific example of the correlation (Life at 5: Great Expectations, scene 5). It is interesting that this correlation prevails through the hardships Haleema and her mother have endured, moving from house to house without a definite