Spatial Awareness CM 231 - Scroggin

Cold porcupines Human seek optimal spacing arrangements when we are in groups.

Proxemic Patterns Proxemic patterns – ways in which we perceive, utilize and arrange our spatial environment governed by two needs: Need for affiliation – close proximity signals desire and permits social bonds to develop. Need for privacy – gain a sense of personal control, cushions against intrusions of others.

Two organizations of space Informal Space Formal Space

Operates outside of our conscious awareness. Informal Space How we orient toward and distance ourselves from others in the group (family, friends, committee) Operates outside of our conscious awareness.

3 levels of informal space Territory Personal Space Conversational Distance

Territory is: Definition: a fixed geographically identifiable space to which an individual or group has laid claim. Gives an innate sense of control, security and autonomy. Neighborhood – fences, signs, things that clearly signal this is mine without eliminating chance for accessibility. Same seat? Spreading out towels at public beaches.

Personal Space Definition: invisible, flexible and portable “bubble” of space that surrounds us Expands and contracts based on situation. Threatened increase space. Intimacy decreased space

Conversational Distance Distance at which we normally conduct face- to-case interactions. May coincide or exceed personal space needs. *cultural norms Intimate distance (0-18 inches) – reserved for physical contact or intimate encounters and entailing high sensory involvement. Personal distance (1.5-4 feet) – used for close interpersonal relationships or more private discussion. High degree kinesthetic involvement but not same impact on visual/olfactory/auditory as intimate does.

Convo. Distance continued Social distance (4-12 feet) range of distances used for informal social activities, business consultations other relatively impersonal encounters. Outside the range of touch, little sensory impact. Public distance (12 + feet) reserved for highly formal encounters, platform presentations, interactions with public figures, requires louder speaking voice.

Formal Space Fixed Feature Semi-Fixed Feature

Fixed feature space – concerns the spacing patterns resulting from permanent structures such as walls, doorways, and the configuration we uses for those spaces. Example – how you set up your house. Individual space, different space for personal hygiene activities, etc

Fixed feature dictates proxemic patterns people establish. Volume of space available. If meeting in a large hall you’d sit closer together. In a smaller room you’d sit further apart (conference table) Permits audible conversation while giving everyone a “share” of space. The formality or informality of the room may encourage more informal/formal sitting arrangements. (less likely to horse around in a sanctuary)

Semi-Fixed Feature Semi-fixed feature space – the proxemic arrangements resulting from movable environmental structures such as partitions and furniture. The configuration will affect how people distance themselves from one another.

Sociopetal arrangement – seating arrangement brings people together Sociopetal arrangement – seating arrangement brings people together. Well – designed restaurants, bars, living rooms use this to facilitate interaction. Sociofugal arrangement– turn people away from one another and discourage interaction. Public places such as hotel lobbies or airports where intentional loitering is intentionally discouraged. (Difference in set up at McDonalds and a Coffee house)

Comfort Assumed that anything closer than 18” would be uncomfortable b/c its more personal/intimate. Experiment in classroom. Let students voluntarily rearrange their classroom. Expected it would be more than 18”. Students ended up voluntarily placing an average of 17” apart. People are able to tolerate closer distances then thought.

To consider: Nature of the people in the group Gender: females sit and stand closer. Females tolerate crowding better than males. Cultural background: contact cultures- closer proximity face to face than non-contact. US non-contact, although southern Europe, Mideast, Central America qualify as contact. Race: Research shows black males adopt the greatest distances, black females adopt the closest. Status: Greater the distance between status greater the distance. Degree of acquaintance: closer the friend, closer the distance. Personality: Introverts/highly anxious require more space than extroverted. Violent prisoners require twice as much space as nonviolent need.

Age: Maintain a closer distance with people same age and younger than you are. Status: Greater the distance between status greater the distance. Degree of acquaintance: closer the friend, closer the distance. Personality: Introverts/highly anxious require more space than extroverted. Violent prisoners require twice as much space as nonviolent need.

Expectancy Violation Displaying anxiety through behaviors such as restless leg and foot movements, fidgeting with an object, scratching head, touching self (hands in pocket, hair) Sometimes staring hostilely at the intruder, but more often avoiding eye contacts (think on a subway) Erecting barriers with personal possessions such as books or coats Erecting body blocks, shading the eyes, putting arms and elbows between oneself and the intruder Increasing distance by leaning away, moving apart Taking flight (leaving situation altogether). Rare that someone will VERBALLY respond to the intrusion, more often its non-verbal signals.