Proxemics on Distance in Between People

Proxemics is a term used to signify the study of our usage of area and it describes the distance in between people and their interaction. This distance is measurable, and can dictate our sensations. It can make us nervous or relaxed. This term was introduced by Edward Hall in the 1950's. Proxemics can be categorized into 2 territories, physical and personal. Physical area is the space that we are required to occupy, offered conditions and circumstances. An example is a classroom, where desks or chairs are proportionally spaced and arranged, and all of them are facing the front rather than the center of the room.

The other is personal territory. It is the area that we bring with us, the barrier or "Personal Bubble" that figures out the most ideal range between a person and another on specific scenarios that will make both of them comfortable. Another value of proxemics is the capability to appropriately use individual area. Personal territory is divided into 4 locations; public, personal, social, and intimate.

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Public space is the distance declared between a speaker and the audience. It varies from 12 to 25 feet from the individual.

Social space is closer, ranging from 4 to 10 feet. This space is used to communicate with business colleagues and also used to separate strangers in public places, such as bus stops and waiting sheds. Personal space is much closer, from 2 to 4 feet; this space can be used in conversations between friends and family members. The closest of all is the intimate space. Ranging from 0 to 1 foot, it has a high chance of physical contact.

It is reserved for activities done up close, like whispering, kissing, and embracing.

Personal territories, however, varies according to location and culture. A personal space in one country can be a social space in another. For example, I have read that in Japan, there is almost physical contact between subway passengers because the population to area ratio is higher compared to the United States. In the United States, it is unlikely that people tends to clump together, even on the subway, because we have too much space allocated for other people to make us comfortable.