what is the function of personal space in society?

Question

what function does "keeping in your own personal space" serve?

Answer 1

Lemon Tea has answered the first question rather nicely.

My answer to the second question would be " not to appear threatening or imposing to others in any way. "

I grew up in a large East Coast US city, where there is very little personal space, particularly in public situations, such as a parade or the subway @ 5:00 PM. My personal space is essentially zero. Moved out West & then noticed that folks stand quite a bit further away from each other here. I started deliberately standing further away from people just so that they would feel comfortable. I notice that my coworker from Lebanon stands close to people sometimes when he talks with them. Culture changes the social distance.

Where does it come from? Familiarity (culture), fear (of other people getting too close physically) and unconsciousness. Most of the time - many people their whole life - this is an unexamined aspect of life; no concious thought being directed to what am I doing? why? does this make sense? etc.

Peace,

;-)

Answer 2

This is a spiritual function, your spirit loves to control your immediate environment. When people touch your stuff they put it somewhere else and it gets lost, now you lost control of your space. Your spirit likes to control your body, if people are walking into you constantly, you can get knocked down or hurt, so you need that personal space.

Answer 3

To create a non-threatening comfort level. I'm big on personal space. I feel it's also different rules for personal space accross cultures. I feel some cultures are more open and inviting therefore personal space is not an issue at all. I'm the one who will stick out her elbow in the grocery line if the person in back of me is too close. I feel if you touch my elbow you need to back up. I just don't like to be touched by people I don't know.

Answer 4

Interesting question (Great question!) and difficult to answer but I will take a stab at it.

It could be to show respect to people as individuals, to give you 'space' to function. So this type of 'social etiquette' serves as a sign of respect and courtesy. Well, I tried!....LOL

Currently I am living in Asia and there is not enough of it!

Answer 5

It separates the clods from the refined.

It keeps jerks at a distance.

It keeps anyone else who isn't invited at a distance.

It separates the ignorant and rude from the intelligent and well mannered.

It makes it possible to use fewer Altoids.

It lets people breathe

It gives us the space to talk with our hands and gesture wildly without hurting anyone.

It generally makes the world a better place. :)

Answer 6

I work in retail and am surrounded by crowds all day. I try to convince myself they are distracted by shopping, but it gets really hard when they constantly bump into me. So I create a space in my head and visualize the ocean or the sky. Anything big and open. It helps.

Answer 7

Put it to experiment among your friends. Go around all day violating and being violated in personal space. Then you will see yourself. That is the problem in sociology; to many constructs and not enough empirical investigation.

Answer 8

we are a society of individual who are all have free will and ability and freedom to do whatever we want with them and getting a personal space is part of that freedom in our existence in this world.

Answer 9

Keeps people out of your face.

Answer 10

I guess it just depends on the person and rather or not if they're really a people person if you know what I'm saying