Transformational Courage and STEM Wisdom: A Developmental Perspective Through the Ecological Systems Model
Abstract
Courage is an essential yet understudied component of innovation and ethical leadership, especially in the STEM fields. This paper introduces the ecological system model of courage, inspired by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, to conceptualize courage across five levels—micro-, meso-, exo-, macro-, and chrono-courage. The model illustrates how courage develops within nested systems, from individual acts of bravery to collective, long-term societal transformation. We argue that transformational courage is vital for addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and systemic inequities. This paper highlights the importance of fostering multilevel courage in educational, professional, and societal settings for sustained impact and resilience.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Leadership
Courage
and Heroism Studies
Grit
Self-Efficacy
and Motivation
Ego Development and Educational Practices
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Roeper Review
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 48
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 11–26
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN