Social Distancing Across Cultures: How Norms Differ Around the World
When we think about social interactions, it’s clear that they vary significantly across countries and cultures. Social distancing, which became widely practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted how in some places maintaining distance felt natural, while in others, it posed a major cultural challenge.?
In Spain, for example, physical closeness is deeply ingrained in daily life. Greeting friends with a kiss on each cheek or standing close during conversations is common. Socializing often happens in lively, crowded spaces like tapas bars or plazas, where proximity signals warmth and connection. For many Spaniards, keeping a meter of distance from friends and family felt unnatural and emotionally distant.?
In contrast, cultures like the United States tend to have more personal space built into interactions. Even before the pandemic, Americans often preferred a larger "bubble" of personal space. Conversations are typically held at arm's length, greetings involve a handshake rather than a kiss or hug, and public spaces like parks, lines, or social gatherings are more spread out.?
These differences show how cultural norms around personal space shape our behaviors. While social distancing was globally implemented, its reception and adaptation varied depending on each culture's expectations of closeness.?
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