SKW- 516; Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Perspective Essay
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Jan 9, 2024
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Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Perspective Essay
Jasmin Vasquez
Grand Canyon University
SWK-516-O500
Shanae Shaw
November 22, 2023
2
Numerous factors shape an individual's identity throughout their development from infancy
to adulthood. “Use of the ecological approach is useful when attempting to understand the
relationship between microsystems and environments – an endeavor crucial to understanding
how individuals and groups develop over the life course.” (Tomasetti, 2016) In the case study 1.1
Joshua, Making a New Life,
Joshua's childhood experience has been profoundly impacted by the
political turmoil that in Africa. The civil war caused his family to flee to refugee guarded by the
United Nations however, life there was difficult, and eventually the war followed them. Joshua
and his siblings were able to resume their education upon their arrival in the United States,
succeed economically, and strive toward becoming citizens of their new nation. Even with all of
the events, Joshua's story is far from over. The experiences that a person has - combined with
their surroundings - can greatly influence how they think, perceive the world, and justify their
actions. I, myself have not experienced as great of hardships as Joshua. Using Bronfenbrenner's
model, we may observe changes in a person, environmental factors, and time throughout the case
study of both Joshua and myself. “The fear is that by [separating dimensions] doing so, we will
reinforce the human tendency to think of these dimensions as things that are separate and
unrelated rather than recognizing how they are all utterly intertwined.” (Hutchinson, 2019)
At a micro-level, this investigates biological, psychological, interpersonal, and social (peer)
relationships and supports, as well as spiritual beliefs. (Tyler, 2020) Focusing on the
person
aspect for myself, my parents being divorced coupled with Hispanic culture influenced my
biological system. Growing up with the mentality of “serving our husbands” to fit to mold of a
“perfect Hispanic wife” was ingrained throughout my childhood. The psychological damage that
was created being married at 17-years-old serves as a reminder of an emotional traumatic
situation that I will forever carry with me. By contrast, Joshua was forced to flee his home,
narrowly escape a massacre from the refugee camp, withstood uncertainties of his family
members lives following the separation, and lastly the adjustment to being in a new country with
different cultural practices and language barriers.
Changing lens to a mezzo-level, this level demonstrates connections or interactions with
small groups, such as family, schools, churches, neighborhoods, community organizations, and
peers/co-workers. (Tyler, 2020) As such,
environment
plays a role in who and what we choose to
surround ourselves with. Before arriving to the United States Joshua had to endure the physical
conditions of living in a refugee camp with unfathomable living conditions; all the while
mourning the loss of loved ones. As life continued in the United States, Joshua was able to adapt
to the customs and find comfort in the Christian faith. In fact, Joshua became a soccer coach for
his local Nations United Boys & Girls club and found employment through the same agency that
sponsored his family’s relocation. For myself, having divorced parents I knew I had two homes
with two different support systems. Through encouragement and led by example of my mother, I
sought employment for agencies that advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault,
and human trafficking. My hometown is a well-known hotspot for human trafficking. I keep
moving forward in my goal to become an advocate and support for people who have experienced
similar traumas.
Lastly, in exploring human behavior we reach the macro-level. “This level also explores
ethical frameworks, historical impacts of group experiences, and how discrimination and
prejudice can impact marginalized populations.” (Tyler, 2020) Just as importantly,
time
is a
crucial factor. While post-traumatic stress disorder is recognized by the American Psychiatric
Association as a diagnosis, there are two different types of trauma: acute and chronic. In my
case, I believe I experienced acute traumas (i.e., getting married young, being involved in a car
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