HOW PHYSICAL CONTACT INFLUENCES OUR LIVES,

BASED ON CULTURE OR PERSONALITY

Neagu Oana Luciana, 312AC

29.03.2017

Communication is far more than speech and writing. Most of us

are unaware that we are communicating in many different ways even
when we are not speaking. The same goes for other social animal
species. We are rarely taught about this mostly non-verbal form of
human communication in school even though it is very important for
effective interaction with others. Growing up in a society,
we informally learn how to use gestures, glances, slight changes in tone
of voice, and other auxiliary communication devices to alter or
emphasize what we say and do. We learn these highly culture bound
techniques over years largely by observing others and imitating them.

In recent years, a wave of studies has documented some incredible

emotional and physical health benefits that come from touch. This
research is suggesting that touch is truly fundamental to human
communication, bonding, and health.

Physical intimacy is sensual proximity or touching. It is an act or

reaction, such as an expression of feelings (including
close friendship, romantic love or sexual attraction), between people.
Examples of physical intimacy include being inside someone's personal
space, holding hands, hugging, kissing.

Most people value their personal space and feel

discomfort, anger or anxiety when somebody encroaches on their
personal space without consent. Entering somebody's personal space is
normally an indication of familiarity and intimacy. However, in modern
society, especially in crowded urban communities, it is at times difficult
to maintain personal space, for example, in a crowded train, elevator or
street. Many people find the physical proximity within crowded spaces
to be psychologically disturbing and uncomfortable, though it is
accepted as a fact of modern life. In an impersonal crowded situation,
eye contact tends to be avoided. Even in a crowded place, preserving
personal space is important. Non-consensual intimate and sexual
contact, such as frotteurism and groping, are unacceptable.

On the other hand, most people occasionally desire physical

proximity to others, and will at times welcome a familiar and trusted
person into their personal space. When a partner or friend is not
available at such a time, some people satisfy this need for human contact
in a crowded venue, such as a bar, nightclub, rock concert, street
festival, etc.

In most Western countries physical contact can mean social

dominance. People with a higher status tend to exert more physical
contact, whereas lower status individuals receive more of the physical
contact. For example, your boss might pat you on the back or maybe
grip your shoulder as theyre leaning over you to look at your work. This
is not uncommon, yet it can still make employees feel uncomfortable.
On the flip side, you would never pat your boss on the back, its a
superiority thing.
 So, what cultures tend have more physical contact? Very similar to
personal space, the Middle East, Latin America and southern Europe
prefer a lot more physical contact during normal conversations. A
common greeting is kissing on the cheek. In Spain, I noticed many
conversations with men clasping each others arm or placing a hand on
the other persons shoulder. In Northern Europe, you have to apologize if
you accidentally brush by someone. They do not appreciate touching at
all. The Japanese though, are culturally most opposed to the touch of a
stranger. If you think about it, they greet each other with a bow, not a
kiss or handshake.
Muslims also have strict cultural rules about touching. Men and
women cannot touch, even casually, in public. You will not see couples,
even married, walking down the street holding hands. Now, two women
often walk holding hands and men can be seen walking arm in arm with
one another. We might do a double take if we see two men casually
walking with their arms linked.
In conclusion, remember that the appropriateness of touching
varies by culture. Dont make the mistake of touching someones arm
during a conversation in a culture where it is not appropriate or be
horrified if someone from Latin America places their hand on your
shoulder during a discussion. Be aware of different cultures comfort
towards touching, as well as your own