Human Development

Influence of Heredity and Environment on Development

Picture two plants of the same species growing in two different environments. One seed is planted in a protected inland area with soft, rich soil and moderate water. Another grows on a rocky cliff near a sea with relentless winds. We can imagine the shrub inland might grow more upright and have a certain form, while the shrub near the water may grow at an angle from being windswept and could perhaps have a much different root pattern to adapt to the terrain. Just as differences in soil, water, wind, and sun exposure can affect the long-term growth of a shrub or tree-such as it is with humans. This simple analogy can help us understand the different agents that shape our young (Carol & Elizabeth, 2008).

In previous postings, I've discussed the shaping influences of education on the next generation. Education is but only one factor among many which cultivate young people. Like the shrub, there are many other elements that help form a person such as: parents, peer relationships, other mentor/coach relationships, media (TV, social media, music), online interactions, and other cultural influences with people, objects and systems-some having a more desirable influence than others.

Developmental psychologist, Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner, created a theory that considered all of the shaping influences on the development of a child. As seen in the figure below, the child is placed at the center with the various shaping influences represented in the circles. The inner circle represents the most direct interaction with parents, friends and objects. Family plays the most prominent role in the development of a child. A healthy family v. one of dysfunction has a significant impact on the way a human develops. Next are the various environments of that individual's family and area in which they live (Stanley & Hayne, 1994).

The outer circle considers the most dominant societal norms and values situated in a given point in history, while the circles in between represent various systems which have indirect influences through the microsystem. Finally, the orange ring in the center represents how technology can now mediate many of our direct interactions with our world and one another. The way these various systems interrelate can be rather complex in the way they work in combination on the development of a person. Altogether, these “surface areas” have a shaping effect on the organism which form who a person, ...