Ask AI: Definition of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological theory. Please include in-text citation APA 7th referencing

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory, put forth by Urie Bronfenbrenner, suggests that child development is shaped and influenced by various environmental systems (Guhn, Janus, & Hertzman, 2010). The theory identifies four environmental systems, namely the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem, each having unique attributes that play a significant role in a child's development. The microsystem is the immediate environment, such as home or school, where the child directly interacts. The next one, the mesosystem, constitutes the interrelations among two or more settings where the child actively participates. The exosystem, however, incorporates settings that indirectly influence the child, like a parent's workplace. Lastly, the macrosystem includes the broader socio-cultural context (Guhn, Janus, & Hertzman, 2010). In essence, this approach highlights that children's development is not isolated but intertwined with multiple environmental factors. References: Guhn, M., Janus, M., & Hertzman, C. (2010). The Bioecological model of human development. In M. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of Cultural Development Science. Psychology Press.