Critical Ecologies – Discussion Board
Watch this
This activity is intended for us to begin to unpack our stories as well as understand the link between stories and systems. My doctorate is in developmental psychology, and one of our central frameworks is Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) Ecological Systems Theory. As I talk through the theory and critique it from an equity and diversity perspective, please follow along on the slides (linked above) and/or the handout I’ve attached here. I will be asking questions throughout this video and so you will want to jot down notes or even draw your own version of this diagram.
1. Who are the people, the groups of people, the organizations, institutions, and communities that you would list in each level of your ecological systems map?
2. To what extent does Bronfenbrenner’s perfectly concentric model, where each oval fits neatly into the next oval, match your life? To what extent have the people at each level been stable and positive influences on your development?
3. Pick one person from your map and tell a story of how you wouldn’t be you without that person. Don’t speak in generalities (using words such as always or everything or never). Speak about specific moments in your life that you can take us to. Post this story (doesn’t need to be more than 100 words) to the discussion board. Read and respond with the windows and mirrors to those in your group.
Name: _______________________
Sameroff, A. (2010). A unified theory of development: A dialectic integration of nature and nurture. Child Development, 81, 6–22.
