Proxemics is the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on behaviour, communication, and social interaction. It contains the branch of knowledge that deals with the amount of space that people feel it necessary to set between themselves and others.
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, he emphasized the impact of proxemic behavior (the use of space) on interpersonal communication.
The interpersonal distances of man (the relative distances between people) were described in four distinct zones:
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
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)
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)
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)
Personal space can be highly variable, due to cultural differences and personal preferences. Different culture types maintain different standards of personal space. Realising and recognising these cultural differences improves cross-cultural understanding, and helps eliminate discomfort people may feel if the interpersonal distance is too large ("stand-offish") or too small (intrusive).
