Understanding and Teaching Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory

""I highly recommend this welcome book, which comprehensively identifies and addresses a dilemma in Bronfenbrenner scholarship. The authors, both authorities in the field, have observed an overreliance, in literature and research alike, on the earliest iteration of Bronfenbrenner’s work. Arguing that this underestimates the rich potential of his comprehensive theory, they present readers with a thorough overview, drawing particular attention to the bioecological iteration, the dynamic Process, Person, Context and Time [PPCT] model. The book is written as a teaching manual for instructors at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level and provides a carefully constructed guide through the history of this compelling theory of human development. In a succinct and conversational style, the authors provide helpful signposts, activities, case studies, and prompts for instructors at each level. Unapologetic in their approach to conveying the complexity of the model, they acknowledge the challenges it can present arguing, convincingly, that the model has within it the potential ‘to reveal the real mechanisms behind development’. I wish this book every success and, alongside the authors, hope that it will encourage instructors and researchers to bring ‘Bronfenbrenner’s theory to life for everyone’."" Professor Nóirín Hayes, School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland ""I can't imagine teaching human development without using Bronfenbrenner's perspective, and I can't imagine teaching human development and family life without featuring information technology. To see information technology's role in family life and individual development captured by Navarro and Tudge's work is a gift. With it digital media, the internet, Artificial Intelligence and more are not tools, but factors within the larger ecosystem of human life."" Susan K Walker, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota, US ""As leading theorists on Urie Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological work Jess Navarro and Jon Tudge have produced a very timely book on one of the most cited theorists in the social sciences; because this theory is largely misunderstood and often used in over-simplistic terms. The book is a gamechanger; it provides detailed chapters and useful diagrams on how post and undergraduate students, and experienced researchers can better be taught, and understand, the nuances of this powerful theory, taking them step-by-step through understanding human development over-time as a continuous process shaped by the interplay between individuals and their environments. The book is not only a brilliant idea but one of the most useful texts for the social sciences in the 21st century. Ideal for research methods courses and for anyone wanting to use or be introduced to bioecological theory."" Iram Siraj, Professor of Child Development and Education, Jesus College, University of Oxford, UK