SKW- 516; Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Perspective Essay

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Jan 9, 2024

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1 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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