Proxemics

The notion of personal space was introduced by Edward T. Hall, who created the concept of proxemics. In his book, The Hidden Dimension (1966), he describes the subjective dimensions that surround each person and the physical distances they try to keep from other people, according to subtle cultural rules. Body spacing and posture according to Hall, are unintentional reactions to sensory fluctuations or shifts, such as subtle changes in the sound and pitch of a person's voice. Social distance between people is reliably correlated with physical distance, as are intimate and personal distance, according to the following delineations:

·     Intimate distance for embracing, touching or whispering
o    Close phase – less than 15 cm
o    Far phase –15 to 46 cm

·     Personal distance for interactions among good friends or family members
o    Close phase – 46 to 76 cm
o    Far phase –76 to 120 cm

·     Social distance for interactions among acquaintances
o    Close phase –1.2 to 2.1 m
o    Far phase –2.1 to 3.7 m

·     Public distance used for public speaking

o    Close phase –3.7 to 7.6 m

o    Far phase –7.6 m or more

Hall notes that different cultures maintain different standards of personal space. In Latin cultures, for instance, those relative distances are smaller, and people tend to be more comfortable standing close to each other; in Nordic cultures the opposite is true. Realizing and recognizing these cultural differences improves cross-cultural understanding, and helps eliminate discomfort people may feel if the interpersonal distance is too large or too small. Comfortable personal distances depend on the culture, social situation, gender, and individual preference.