PROXEMICS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxemics

PROXEMICS is the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on
behaviour, communication, and social interaction.

Edward T. Hall, the cultural anthropologist who coined the term in 1963, defined proxemics as "the
interrelated observations and theories of humans use of space as a specialized elaboration of culture".

 In his foundational work on proxemics, The Hidden Dimension, Hall emphasized the impact of
proxemic behavior (the use of space) on interpersonal communication.
 According to Hall, the study of proxemics is valuable in evaluating not only the way people
interact with others in daily life, but also "the organization of space in [their] houses and
buildings, and ultimately the layout of [their] towns".
 Proxemics remains a hidden component of interpersonal communication that is uncovered
through observation and strongly influenced by culture.

Interpersonal communication - is an exchange of information between two or more people.

HUMAN DISTANCES
INTERPERSONAL DISTANCE

Hall described the interpersonal distances of man (the relative distances between people) in four
distinct zones:

(1) INTIMATE SPACE

 The distance surrounding a person forms a space.
 Intimate distance for embracing, touching or whispering
 Close phase – less than one inch (one to two cm)
 Far phase – 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 cm)
 An intimate zone is reserved for close friends, lovers, children and close family members.

(2) PERSONAL SPACE

 The space within intimate distance and personal distance is called personal space.
 Personal distance for interactions among good friends or family
 Close phase – 1.5 to 2.5 feet (46 to 76 cm)
 Far phase – 2.5 to 4 feet (76 to 122 cm)
 Personal space is the region surrounding a person which they regard as psychologically theirs.
Most people value their personal space and feel discomfort, anger, or anxiety when their
personal space is encroached. Permitting a person to enter personal space and entering
somebody else's personal space are indicators of perception of those people's relationship.
 Another zone is used for conversations with friends, to chat with associates, and in group
discussions.
(3) SOCIAL SPACE
  The space within social distance and out of personal distance is called social space.
 Social distance for interactions among acquaintances
 Close phase – 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 m)
 Far phase – 7 to 12 feet (2.1 to 3.7 m)
 A further zone is reserved for strangers, newly formed groups, and new acquaintances.

(4) PUBLIC SPACE

 The space within public distance is called public space.
 Public distance used for public speaking
 Close phase – 12 to 25 feet (3.7 to 7.6 m)
 Far phase – 25 feet (7.6 m) or more.
 A fourth zone is used for speeches, lectures, and theater; essentially, public distance is that
range reserved for larger audiences.

ORGANIZATION OF SPACE IN TERRITORIES (Spatial Territories)

While PERSONAL SPACE describes the immediate space surrounding a person, TERRITORY refers to the
area which a person may "lay claim to" and defend against others.

There are four forms of human territory in proxemic theory. They are:

 PUBLIC TERRITORY: a place where one may freely enter. This type of territory is rarely in the
constant control of just one person. However, people might come to temporarily own areas of
public territory.
 INTERACTIONAL TERRITORY: a place where people congregate informally
 HOME TERRITORY: a place where people continuously have control over their individual
territory
 BODY TERRITORY: the space immediately surrounding us

These different levels of territory, in addition to factors involving personal space, suggest ways for us to
communicate and produce expectations of appropriate behavior.