1.4 Conceptual Framework

Since its inception, Growing Up in Ireland has drawn extensively from

Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model (e.g. Bronfenbronner & Morris, 2006) for its

conceptual framework. Depending on the age and stage of a particular wave,

especially as the eldest cohort transitioned to adulthood, Bronfenbrenner’s model has

been complemented by other theoretical frameworks. For Cohort 24 at age 3, the

bioecological model remains useful as a core framework for developing the survey

instrumentation. It has been discussed at length in several previous Growing Up in

Ireland publications (e.g. Greene et al. 2010) so will be outlined just briefly in the

current work.

Overview of Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model