Ecological Systems Approach for Deaf Children

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Ecological system theory involves five environmental systems within which an individual interacts. Allen (2009), refers to this interaction as socialization, a process that involves acquiring skills that are necessary so as to function as a member of any given society. The five ecological systems are: micro system, mesosystems, exosystems and chronosystems. Micro system includes family, school, religious institutions neighbourhood and peers. These groups and institutions impact on the development of the child. The second system referred to as the mesosystem involves the interaction of the Microsystems and the family. It involves the way the family interacts with the other Microsystems. Exosystem links other social settings that the individual has no active role. For example a promotion at the place of work, may affect the way parents will relate with their child in the event that there is increased responsibilities which might take away time spent with a child (Allen, 2009). Macrosystems is the culture in which individuals live. It includes socioeconomic status, poverty and ethnicity. A parent’s place of work and school where the child learns is also part of this culture. Members share a common identity, values and heritage. Evolves over time, there is much succession (Krogh & Slentz, 2001). Chronosytems involves transitions in life that may change life. For instance when there s divorce, life becomes unstable in the beginning but gradually people settle though there might be some negative effects especially for a child (Krogh & Slentz, 2001). A preschool child with profound congenital hearing loss is part of the ecological system and therefore calls for due attention. This child is expected to interact and socialize within the society just like any other member of the of the society. The hearing disability creates a challenge in the ecosystem in that the
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