Which layer of ecological systems theory includes groups and institutions outside the home that influence a child's development?

The correct answer is the mesosystem. This layer of ecological systems theory focuses on the interactions and relationships between the various components of a child's immediate environment, such as family, school, community organizations, and peers. The mesosystem encompasses the connections between the different microsystems – for instance, how a parent’s workplace might impact the family and, consequently, the child's development.

In the context of a child’s development, the mesosystem highlights the importance of the relationships between different areas of a child's life. For instance, the way a child's home life relates to their school environment can significantly affect their learning and socialization. Supportive interactions across these settings, such as communication between parents and teachers, can lead to more favorable outcomes for the child.

Other layers of ecological systems theory, while related, focus on different aspects. The microsystem includes the immediate environments that directly influence the child, such as family and friends. The exosystem includes larger social systems that do not directly interact with the child but still impact their development, like a parent's workplace. The macrosystem encompasses broader societal and cultural influences that shape the overall environment in which a child grows up. Each layer has its own role, but the mesosystem specifically addresses the interactions between the child's immediate