Meso Level Socialization: Understanding How We Learn Gender
What is Meso Level Socialization?
Meso level socialization is a way we learn about being a boy or a girl through everyday interactions. It’s not just about what our parents teach us at home; it’s also about what we see and hear from friends, family, and even strangers. Every day, we play a role in acting out our gender—these roles can make us feel happy or sometimes hurt.
Imagine being at school, enjoying a sunny day on the playground. If you're a boy and you want to wear a pink backpack, you might feel excited. But then, when a friend tells you that pink is for girls, suddenly, that joy can turn into shame. You might feel pressure to fit into what others expect of you, leaving behind something that brought you happiness. This is how our social world shapes our understanding of gender.
Daily Interactions Shape Our Gender
Every day, we perform our gender based on how we interact with those around us. For instance, when boys play sports and girls play with dolls, they are acting out what they think they should like. These activities are often encouraged by family and friends. If you’re a girl and you climb a tree, and people clap and tell you how brave you are, that can make you feel powerful. But if someone says, “Girls don’t do that,” you might start to doubt yourself.
Think about the messages we get from adults too. When a boy is teased for wearing pink, it reinforces the idea that colors should be linked to genders. When a girl is praised for being polite, it sends the message that being "ladylike" is something to strive for. These small, everyday comments shape how we see ourselves and others around us.
Reflecting on Our Experiences
Now, let’s think about your own experiences. Have you ever felt different because you didn't fit into the gender "rules"? Perhaps you wore something that wasn’t seen as traditional or acted in a way that felt true to you, but others didn’t understand. Maybe your friends laughed or your family raised their eyebrows.
I remember a time when I was a teenager, wanting to join a football team. I was excited but also scared. My friends encouraged me, but when I told my dad, he frowned and said, “Aren’t you supposed to stick to dance?” In that moment, I felt small. I loved dancing, but I also loved football. I didn’t want to choose; I just wanted to be me. The conflicting messages made me question if I was wrong for wanting what I wanted.
This brings us to gendered expectations in relationships. In some cultures, there’s an idea that “boys should pay for dates.” Have you ever noticed this? If you’re on a date and you expect the boy to cover the bill, it might make things awkward for both. What if you wanted to share? Sometimes, these expectations can hold us back from being honest about what we want in our friendships and relationships.
Breaking Free
Learning about gender through these interactions can be tough. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many people struggle with these ideas. Sometimes we feel happy when we fit in, but other times we feel sad when we don't. Breaking free from traditional roles can be hard, but it’s important to embrace who you truly are.
Always remember: It’s okay to like what you like, and it’s okay to be who you are. The world should celebrate every unique story, including yours. By understanding our experiences and the messages we receive, we can help create a kinder, more accepting world where everyone is free to be themselves.