Proxemic Cues: Use of Space

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Proxemic Cues Use of Space
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Defining Proxemics

• Refers to the use of space in communication
• Deals primarily w/ the degree of crowding a
  person experiences
• Differentiated by territoriality and personal
  space

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Territories and Personal Space

• Territories
• fixed geographic areas
• occupied, controlled, and defended by a person or
  group as their exclusive domain.
• Personal space
• invisible, portable, and adjustable bubble
• surrounds a person and is maintained to protect
  from physical and emotional threats.

4
Territoriality

• Evidence of a need for maintaining territories
• Animal studies findings
• Human studies findings
• Classifying territories
• Altman 3-category system
• Lyman and Scott 4-category system

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Classification of Territories

• Altman
• Primary
• Secondary
• Public
• Lyman and Scott
• Body
• Home
• Interactional
• Public

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Territorial Marking

• Three different kinds of markers are used to
  stake our claims
• Central markers (e.g., jacket over a chair)
• Boundary markers (e.g., fence, gate)
• Ear markers (e.g., initials on a pen)
• When people invade our territory, that is known
  as territory encroachment

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Reactions to Encroachment

• Withdrawal simply leaving the scene to another
  territory.
• Turf defense fighting off the invaders and
  defending the territory.
• Insulation create barriers to insulate yourself
  from invaders.

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Personal Space

• Need clearly illustrated by our reactions to
  violations
• Physiological responses
• Anxiety cues
• Withdrawal and flight behaviors
• Decreased task performance
• Perceived discomfort and crowding
• Increased verbal aggressiveness

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Typology of Interpersonal Distances

• Intimate 0 to 18
• Personal-casual 1½ to 4 feet
• Social-consultative 4-10 feet
• Public 10 feet and beyond

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Proxemic Norms

• Based on gender/sex
• Based on age
• Based on personality
• Based on liking/familiarity
• Based on status