Ecosystem Theory

Ecosystems theory
The ecological systems perspective focuses on the goodness of fit between individuals and their environment while looking at long-term, sustainable change. It identifies that “the parts of the system can never be entirely separated from each other (Mattaini & Mayer, 2002, p.6 as cited in Healy, 2014).” Bronfenbrenner (1979, as cited in Healy, 2014) identified the various complex layers of microsystem, mesosystem and macrosystem in supporting the well-being on individuals. The microlevel includes components such as family, friends, home and community, the mesolevel includes components such as schools and community services and the macrosystem includes policies, laws, government and larger institutions. Looking holistically

Bryman (2012) identifies that coding within grounded theory is a first step in the generation of theory and the data analyzed is in a “constant state of potential revision and fluidity (p.568).” Three types of coding including open, axial and selective, are identified by Bryman. For the purpose of this research, selective coding will be utilized to focus the categorization of themes around the central issues which arises from the children’s responses (Bryman, 2012).
The outcomes of grounded theory are produced through multiple phases of research. First, concepts are developed through open coding then categories or themes are created from these concepts with various dimensions noted in each category. At this stage, thematic coding, or the use of a systematic framework, will be utilized. A thematic framework is a “matrix based method for ordering and synthesising data (Ritchie et al. 2003, p.219, as cited in Bryman, 2012).” This method helps to organize patterns, topics and reoccurring themes and focus the research

First, a significant challenge will be to access and interview this population of children in Sweden. Laws and policies protecting children serve an important purpose in upholding the rights of the child, but also pose a barrier to gaining new insight and research with this population. This barrier will be thoroughly researched before beginning this study and contact with the appropriate authorities will be made many months prior to the research being conducted. Due to the time restrictions of a master thesis, the sample size will be small for this qualitative research, less than 10 children. This sample size is significant to gain the perspectives of a few children, but not significant enough in size to generate or generalize across larger populations. As this study will be based on voluntary participation from children, problems may arise with commitment to meeting or withdrawal from the study for any number of reasons. An additional limitation of this study will be the language barrier. As my primary language of communication is English and the children being interviewed have a different first language, there is potential for miscommunication or misunderstandings in research