The term “social environment” refers to all the factors in a society that exert influence on an individual or event. It can range from micro factors such as interactions in the family home all the way up to national and global factors such as rules and regulations regarding social interactions.
Jeff Poteiger (2023) provides a scholarly definition below:
“The social environment refers to individual and group interactions that could influence behavior and includes family members, friends, and colleagues.”
The easiest way to conceptualize social environments is to use Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model (Bronfenbrenner, 1979), which splits all the social factors impacting upon an individual into concentric circles:
This model starts from the closest social influences on a person’s life then branches out, as demonstrated by each level:
- Microsystem: This is the immediate environment in which an individual lives, such as family, school, and peers, and where direct interactions take place.
- Mesosystem: This refers to the interactions between the various components of the microsystem, like the relationship between an individual’s parents and teachers.
- Exosystem: This encompasses settings that indirectly affect the individual but where they do not have an active role, such as a parent’s workplace or community health services.
- Macrosystem: This represents the larger cultural context, including societal values, beliefs, customs, and laws that influence the other systems.
- Chronosystem: This adds the dimension of time, considering the impact of life events and transitions over the life course, as well as sociohistorical circumstances.
Using this model, let’s look at some typical examples of elements of a social environment.
Social Environment Examples
The following are examples of elements worth considering when breaking down the social environment of an individual or event.
1. Family Influences
Level: Microsystem
The family is one of the most immediate and influential environments for an individual, especially during early years. Family dynamics, values, relationships, and routines play a pivotal role in shaping one’s beliefs, behaviors, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s through parental guidance, sibling interactions, or extended family traditions, the family unit offers foundational experiences and support structures.
2. Religious Influences
Level: Microsystem (and potentially Macrosystem)
Religious institutions, like churches, mosques, or temples, are places where individuals engage directly with religious leaders, teachings, and fellow members. The values, beliefs, and practices endorsed by these institutions can shape an individual’s moral compass, sense of community, and spiritual beliefs. On a broader scale, when considering the overarching influence of religion on societal values and norms, it can also be viewed within the macrosystem.
3. National or State Laws
Level: Macrosystem
National or state laws represent the larger societal and cultural context in which individuals operate. These laws establish the rules, rights, and responsibilities that govern how people interact with each other and with institutions. From education and healthcare to civil rights and labor regulations, these laws shape the opportunities, challenges, and freedoms individuals experience in their daily lives.
4. The Era You Live In
Level: Chronosystem
The specific time period or era in which an individual lives profoundly affects their experiences, opportunities, and challenges. Factors such as technological advancements, socio-political events, economic conditions, and cultural shifts characterize different eras. For instance, someone growing up in the digital age will have vastly different experiences from someone who grew up before the advent of the internet.
5. Peer Pressure
Level: Microsystem
Peers play a significant role in an individual’s social environment, especially during adolescence. The influence of friends and peer groups can shape behaviors, choices, values, and self-perception. Whether it’s about fashion choices, academic interests, or risk-taking behaviors, the desire to fit in or stand out among peers can have profound impacts on an individual’s development.
See More: Peer Pressure Examples
6. Sibling Influences
Level: Microsystem
Siblings often play a crucial role in an individual’s life, influencing their behavior, personality, and values. Whether it’s through shared experiences, competition, support, or rivalry, interactions with brothers and sisters can shape one’s sense of identity, emotional development, and social skills. The bond between siblings often serves as a foundation for understanding peer relationships and navigating social dynamics.
7. Social Class System
Level: Macrosystem
The social class system, characterized by divisions based on income, education, occupation, and cultural capital, has a profound influence on an individual’s opportunities, experiences, and perceptions. Depending on one’s position within this system, they may face certain advantages or challenges in areas like education, employment, healthcare, and social mobility. The values, norms, and expectations associated with different social classes can also shape an individual’s worldview and aspirations.
See More: A Guide to the Social Class System
8. Political Environment
Level: Macrosystem
The political climate and governance of a country or region can greatly influence an individual’s life. Policies, regulations, leadership styles, and political ideologies shape the rights, freedoms, and opportunities available to citizens. The political environment can determine the level of civic participation, access to resources, and overall sense of security or instability in a society.
9. Media Exposure
Level: Mesosystem (and potentially Macrosystem)
The types of media an individual is exposed to, including television shows, movies, news outlets, and social media platforms, influence their perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. Media can shape societal norms, highlight or downplay certain issues, and reinforce or challenge cultural values. Interactions between personal experiences and media messages can influence an individual’s worldview and self-image.
10. Neighborhood and Community Dynamics
Level: Exosystem
The broader community and neighborhood in which an individual lives can indirectly influence their experiences and development. Factors such as community resources, safety, local institutions, and neighborhood relationships can impact one’s sense of belonging, opportunities for social interaction, and overall well-being. For instance, the presence or absence of recreational facilities, community centers, and local events can shape an individual’s social experiences and engagement with their surroundings.
11. School Curriculum and Teaching Methods
Level: Exosystem
While students engage directly with their teachers, the broader decisions about what is taught and how it’s taught are often made at a higher level, influencing students’ learning experiences. The selection of subjects, teaching methodologies, and evaluation criteria can impact a student’s academic achievements, interests, and future aspirations.
12. Cultural Festivals and Traditions
Level: Microsystem
Cultural festivals and traditions are direct environments where individuals participate in and celebrate shared heritage, values, and beliefs. These events can shape one’s understanding of their cultural identity, strengthen community bonds, and pass down traditions to successive generations.
13. Economic Conditions and Job Market
Level: Macrosystem
The broader economic conditions of a country or region, such as recessions, booms, or shifts in the job market, can influence an individual’s opportunities and quality of life. Changes in the economy can dictate employment opportunities, financial security, and the overall morale of a community or nation.
14. Technological Advancements
Level: Chronosystem
As time progresses, technological advancements play a significant role in shaping the way individuals live, work, communicate, and entertain themselves. For instance, the rise of smartphones has transformed communication, while innovations like artificial intelligence are reshaping industries. The era of rapid technological change impacts skill requirements, social interactions, and even mental health.
15. Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Level: Microsystem
Extracurricular activities, whether in school or in the community, offer direct environments where individuals can pursue interests, develop skills, and form relationships outside of academic settings. Activities like sports, arts, debate clubs, and volunteer work can influence one’s self-esteem, teamwork abilities, leadership skills, and sense of purpose.
Conclusion
The social environment is important because it plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s beliefs, behaviors, values, and overall development. From the immediate interactions within our families and peer groups to the broader influences of political climates and economic conditions, each layer of the social environment leaves an indelible mark on our psyche and decision-making processes. As highlighted by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, understanding these multifaceted interactions is crucial to appreciating the complex web of factors that contribute to individual and community growth.
References
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development. Harvard University Press.
Poteiger, J. (2023). ACSM’s Introduction to Exercise Science. Wolters Kluwer Health.
Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]