The New Ecology of Early Childhood: Revisiting Bronfenbrenner’s Theory in the Context of Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities

The New Ecology of Early Childhood: Revisiting Bronfenbrenner’s Theory in the Context of Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities

Philip A. Fisher, PhD & Joan Lombardi, PhD
Stanford Center on Early Childhood, Stanford University
February 2025

A constellation of conditions currently exists that is impacting the ecosystems of young children in unprecedented ways and leading to new challenges for children and the adults in their lives. We refer to these conditions as the New Ecology of Early Childhood. With a sense of urgency, we outline five recommendations for both public and private action.

Suggested citation: Fisher, P.A. & Lombardi, J. (2025). The New Ecology of Early Childhood: Revisiting Bronfenbrenner’s Theory in the Context of Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities (Working Paper). Stanford Center on Early Childhood, Stanford University. https://earlychildhood.stanford.edu/new-ecology-early-childhood-revisiting-bronfenbrenners-theory-context-contemporary-challenges-and