SOC 312 Child, Family & Society / week 1 discussion 1 and 2

Discussion 1

Your text uses Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model to explain how children’s development is affected by different groups within their world. Using this theory, we can understand how children are socialized both intentionally and unintentionally. You must understand how this theory applies to your own upbringing as well as a young child’s upbringing in order to truly comprehend the concept. After reading the text and the “Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory” article, use your understanding of this theory to respond to the questions below.  

Using Bronbenbrenner’s ecological model, respond to the following questions:

1. How did the microsystem that you grew up in differ from your parents’ or grandparents’ microsystems? Do you think this is a detrimental or an affirmative change to society as a whole?  
2. How do you think technology, specifically social media, influences a child’s mesosystems?  

Guided Response:

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Review all of your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two classmates by Day 7. Speak specifically to the change in the microsystem. State if you agree with your classmates’ assessments of the change as either detrimental or affirmative, and justify your response. Include any influences of social media that they may have missed, explaining how and why the influences are valid.

Discussion 2

Agents of socialization include parents, siblings, extended family, community, culture, economic environment, religion, child care, school, teachers, peers, formal organizations, sports, mass media, and technology. In an ideal world, these agents would complement one another in order to best influence a child’s development. Choose three of the above agents and discuss how these agents can have both a positive and negative influence on a child’s development. Include examples from your own experience and share ways that you believe the agents of socialization could be improved.

Guided Response:

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Review all of your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two classmates by Day 7. Choose one of the three agents of socialization listed that you think will have the most impact in the long run. Give specific examples to your classmates to show how you can further enhance this agent as the child’s teacher.