Touch is one of the vital developmental senses in the human body. The behavior is highly effective because even an infant who cannot smell, hear, see, or taste can respond to touch. Besides, individuals cannot survive without this sense because they would be susceptible to frostbites and burns among other potential injuries that can be life-threatening (Floyd, 2016). However, several cultural and social rules highly affect touch. For instance, when contact is used in a manner such as handholding and hugging, it communicates intimacy, love, safety and commitment. Also, individuals use caregiving touch to show a sense of caring for their loved ones. In a nursing home, for example, staff members touch the elderly as they change their bandage. Besides, touch is used to show power and control at times. When a nurse holds an elderly patient’s arm to help them walk is a good example. In other instances, aggressive touches such as slapping are used to impose physical harm. However, other forms of contacts such as shaking hands when greeting someone are ritualistic (Floyd, 2016). Most of these rules are commonly used in different parts of the world.
How these are rules different for men and women and are they “fair”?
Comparatively, sometimes the rules differ when it comes to men and women. For instance, in most cases, men use shoulder touches or back slaps to display dominance while women prefer offering a hug. Also, men are more likely to have aggressive contact such as being hit, pushed, or kicked compared to women (Karell, 2017). Such behaviors create a difference between the two genders. However, with women being a relatively weak gender, their emotions seem to be easily hurt. Therefore, they use communication as a tool for building relationships and creating friendships while men mostly use communication to maintain their independence and status. Due to these reasons, the different standards in both genders are fair.
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The difference in rules for touch in other cultures and if I would be comfortable with them
In different regions, the touch rule varies depending on the culture of the community. For example, in some societies, an individual can touch the other person as a way of protecting them through restricting their movements. However, such action can be seen as inappropriate in a different culture. In another example, in Spain individuals kiss each other on the cheeks or the lips as a form of greeting rituals. However, in North America, Individuals prefers shaking hands for the same ritual, and kissing would be interpreted in a different way (Floyd, 2016). According to my culture, some behaviors such as kissing for greeting rituals are not common, and therefore I would not be comfortable with them. However, I have no problem with the practices that do not require close contact such as a handshake, tapping another individual’s back, or the caregiving touches.
References
Floyd, K. (2016). Interpersonal Communication Third Edition.
Karell, D. (2017). Gender Difference in Communication Styles. Retrieved from https://online.pointpark.edu/public-relations-and-advertising/gender-differences-communication-styles/
