Ecological Map Joshua Mathers Joshua Mathers Characteristics n

Ecological Map Joshua Mather’s

Joshua Mather’s Characteristics n Joshua Mather’s is a 16 year old boy who is in year 11 completing his preliminaries to start the HSC at Penrith High School. Josh lives in Glenmore Park with his parents older sisters Katie and Becky and younger brother Mark. Josh plays soccer for the Penrith district team under 17’s. Josh’s favorite soccer team is Sydney FC. Josh has friends on his soccer team and friends at school. Josh was born in Australia as were his parents however his grandfather on his dads side was Irish. Josh is 172 cm with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Ecological Systems Theory n Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory is a map which looks at the development stages of a child. ( Berk, 2008) There are 4 layers of this system, the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem and macrosystem.

Microsystem n n The microsystem is “the innermost level of the environment, consisting of activities and interaction patterns in the child’s immediate surroundings. ” (Berk, 2008, pg 26) Joshua Mather’s microsystem consists of his immediate family, his school and his soccer team. Josh lives at home with his parents, sisters and younger brother. Josh attends Penrith High School which is a selective school. Joshua also plays soccer for a team outside of school. Josh is influenced by all of these parties as he has a two way relationship with his family, school and soccer team. (Berk, 2008)

Mesosystem n n The mesosystem is “ the connections between the child’s immediate settings. ” (Berk, 2008, pg 26) Joshua’s mesosystem includes the relationships between his family, school and soccer team. Josh is attending a selective school as he wishes to attend university like his sister Becky does, his parents are supportive and communicate with his teachers by attending information session held at the school and parent teacher conferences. Josh’s has 2 friends on his soccer team which are in his grade at school, this allows Josh to have a relationship with them at school and on the soccer field (it does become very competitive). Josh’s dad is the biggest influence of his life as he was his soccer coach when he was 4 years old. He dad is now actively involved in his soccer life by taking Josh to all his games and training sessions.

Exosystem n n The exosystem is “the social settings that do not contain children but that affect children’s experiences in immediate settings. ” (Berk, 2008, pg 26) Josh’s exosystem includes his friends, parents and sister’s workforce, sister’s university, brother’s school, family doctor, extended family and church. Josh’s parents and sister Katie all work full time. They discuss there day with Josh at dinner time- Josh learns of life in the workforce and how to practice these outcomes in school and soccer. Josh’s main impact is Becky’s university, this is where Josh wants to study engineering. Josh learns what other schools are like by discussions with his younger brother. The family doctor impacts Josh’s life when he or another member of his family is sick. Josh visits extended family around holidays and see’s his friends on social occasions. He attends church with his family for Easter and Christmas services.

Macrosystem n n The Macrosystem is “the outermost level which consists of cultural values, laws, customs and resources. ” (Berk, 2008, pg 27) Josh’s macrosystem includes the police force, fire brigade, hospital, customs, culture, local council and government/laws. Josh never participates in these social worlds however they still have an impact on his life. The laws are there for him to abide by, the police, fire brigade and hospital are there for him in emergencies or whenever he needs them. Customs protect his environment in which he lives in and the local council look after his immediate environment e. g. , taking the garbage from his streets.

Macrosystem Police Exosystem Mesosystem Doctors Office Customs School Parents Workplace and Older Sister Immediate Family Hospital Parents Brothers Workplace School Sisters University Microsystem Joshua Mather’s Church Soccer Team Friends Brothers School Extended Family Local Council Fire Fighters Culture Government/ Law

Statistics n n n In the 2006 census it states that 60. 4% of residents in Sydney were born in Australia. This statistic would include Joshua Mather’s and all of his immediate family. For the rest of Australia the statistics state that 70. 9 % of the population was born in Australia In the 2006 census it states that 49. 3 % of Sydney were couples with children. Joshua Mather’s family is under this statistic as he lives with both parents and all siblings at home. For Australia the same statistics are 45. 3% As of May 2008 the statistics say of the people aged 15 -64 22% are at school. This includes Joshua Mather’s as he is currently still in high school In November 2008 full time earnings for males rose by 5. 7% and for female rose by 4. 7%, this means Joshua’s parents and older sister may have a higher yearly income. The local council provides Joshua with recycling bins and as of March 2003 95% of households in NSW recycle there waste.