Understanding Meso Level Socialization: How We Learn About Our Gender
When we grow up, we learn many things from our family, friends, and the world around us. This is called socialization. It's like a big puzzle that helps us understand who we are and how we fit into society. One important piece of this puzzle is our gender—whether we feel like a boy, a girl, or something in between.
From a young age, we start to understand what being a "man," "woman," or non-binary person means. Society gives us clues about this, and we begin to shape our identities based on those clues. These clues come from messages we see in toys, clothes, movies, and even how people behave around us.
The Messages We Receive
Think about when you were little. Did you ever hear things like, "Boys don’t cry," or "Girls should be nice and kind"? These words are powerful. They teach us what’s expected of us because of our gender. Boys might be told to play with trucks and action figures, while girls might be encouraged to play with dolls and dress-up clothes. Sometimes, we are praised for following these messages—maybe you got a smile when you played sports or did well in school if you were a boy. If you were a girl, you might have received compliments for being caring or helping out at home.
But what happens if you didn't fit these ideas? Maybe you liked to play with dolls if you were a boy or loved climbing trees if you were a girl. If you acted differently from what was expected, you might have faced punishment. Maybe someone said, "That’s not what boys do," or "Girls should be more careful." Such words can make us feel sad or confused about who we are and how to express ourselves.
Feeling the Pressure
The pressure to act a certain way can be tough. Imagine wanting to show your feelings but being told to be tough instead. Or think about wanting to be adventurous but feeling like you should stay safe because that’s what’s “appropriate” for your gender. These feelings can weigh down on us.
Sometimes, not fitting into these roles can lead to loneliness. You might feel like you can’t be yourself. It’s hard when the world tells you one thing, but in your heart, you feel something different.
Finding Your True Self
As we grow older, we start to think more about these messages. We realize that we can choose who we want to be. Maybe you realize it’s okay to cry even if you are a boy. Or perhaps you discover that being a girl doesn’t mean you have to follow the same path as everyone else. It’s important to remember that everyone is unique.
Understanding meso-level socialization helps us see that we don’t have to fit into boxes. We can break free from the rules that say boys and girls must act a certain way. Instead, we can create our own identities based on what feels right for us.
Conclusion
Socialization shapes how we view ourselves and others, but it doesn’t have to limit us. We can be proud of who we are, whether we are a boy, a girl, or non-binary. Embracing our true selves, despite the messages we receive, is a beautiful journey. And that journey starts with understanding and accepting ourselves for who we truly are, not just who society expects us to be.