What aspect of development is emphasized in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory?

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory highlights the significance of the interaction between individuals and their environments. This theory posits that development is not simply a result of individual traits or innate abilities, but rather it occurs through a complex interplay of various systems surrounding a person.

These systems include the immediate environment, such as family and school, as well as broader contexts like community, culture, and society. By emphasizing these interactions, the theory showcases how factors at multiple levels—microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, and macrosystems—impact a child's development. Thus, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how different environmental contexts contribute to individual growth and behavior, reinforcing the idea that development is influenced by a network of relationships rather than isolated traits or genetic factors alone.