proxémica

Proxemics is the study of how people perceive and use space in their interactions. It explores the invisible boundaries individuals create and maintain around themselves, and how these distances influence communication and social behavior. The term was coined by anthropologist Edward T. Hall in the 1960s.

Hall identified four main zones of personal space in Western cultures: intimate space, personal space, social space, and public space. Intimate space, typically within 18 inches, is reserved for close relationships like family and lovers. Personal space, from 18 inches to 4 feet, is used for friends and acquaintances. Social space, from 4 to 12 feet, is for more formal interactions, and public space, beyond 12 feet, is for public speaking or addressing large groups.

These spatial distances are not fixed and can vary significantly based on cultural norms, individual personalities, the nature of the relationship, and the specific context. For example, people from cultures with a higher tolerance for close proximity may stand much nearer to each other during conversations than those from cultures that prefer more personal space. Understanding proxemics is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and for interpreting non-verbal cues in social settings. It helps explain why certain interactions might feel comfortable or uncomfortable, and how the manipulation of space can convey messages about power, intimacy, and social status.