Which system in Bronfenbrenner's model includes societal beliefs and cultural values?

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Study for the Child and Youth Care (CYC) Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for the exam!

The macrosystem in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory encompasses the broader societal context in which an individual exists. This includes overarching cultural values, beliefs, norms, and ideologies that shape individuals’ experiences and development. Elements of the macrosystem can include laws, social customs, and economic systems, all of which significantly influence how individuals interact with their environment and develop over time.

In contrast, the mesosystem refers to the interactions between different microsystems in a child’s life, such as the relationship between home and school. The exosystem involves external social structures that indirectly influence the individual, like a parent's workplace or community resources but do not encompass the broader cultural context. The microsystem involves the immediate environments a person interacts with, such as family, school, and peers, focusing on direct influences rather than the underlying cultural framework.

Thus, the macrosystem is pivotal in understanding the extensive cultural and societal factors that impact development, distinguishing it clearly from the other systems in the model.