what is microsystem

A microsystem is a self-contained subsystem located within a larger system. It is the smallest unit of analysis in systems theory and can be defined as the pattern of activities, social roles, and interpersonal relations experienced by an individual in a given setting. In child development, a microsystem is a childs immediate environmental setting, which includes the people and activities the children experience on a day-to-day basis. Microsystems have the greatest influence on a childs development. Examples of microsystems include family, friends, peers, schools, religious groups, and neighborhoods. The family is the most influential element of the microsystem. Other examples of microsystems include school and peers. The microsystem is the innermost level in Bronfenbrenners 5-tiered model of child development called the ecological systems model. Each level in the model interacts with an individual to shape their psycho-social development.