exosystem

n. in ecological systems theory, those societal structures that function largely independently of the individual but nevertheless affect the immediate context within which he or she develops. They include the government, the legal system, and the media. Compare chronosystem; macrosystem; mesosystem. [introduced by Urie Bronfenbrenner]

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Psychology term of the day

January 13th 2025

charismatic leader

the type of political or social leader who commands high levels of devotion, enthusiasm, and commitment from his or her followers. German sociologist Max Weber (1864–1920) defined charismatic leaders as those who are widely admired and respected by their followers (e.g., Napoleon, Churchill), but the term is more popularly used to mean leaders who owe their success to personal charm or magnetism.