How many layers are present in Bronfenbrenner's ecological system theory?

Bronfenbrenner's ecological system theory identifies five distinct layers that represent different levels of environmental influence on an individual's development. Each layer ranges from the immediate environment that directly impacts the individual to broader societal influences.

The innermost layer is the microsystem, which includes the individual’s direct interactions with family, peers, and schools. Next is the mesosystem, which focuses on the interconnections between the different microsystems, such as the relationship between a child’s home and their school environment. The next layer is the exosystem, encompassing broader social systems that indirectly affect the individual, such as a parent's workplace. Following that is the macrosystem, which represents the overarching cultural values, laws, and societal norms. Lastly, the fifth layer is the chronosystem, introducing the dimension of time and how environmental events and transitions can influence development throughout a person's life.

Understanding these five layers is crucial for recognizing how complex interactions at different levels shape individual experiences and development.