Question

In the United States, unrelated individuals keep a certain physical distance between themselves and others when talking or in groups. Americans do not consciously think about that distance; they just know what feels right without thinking. Someone from another culture would not necessarily understand this and would apply their rules for contact when speaking. The preceding is an illustration of what is called applying a _____ when reviewing the mentioned social custom of contact.

Answer 1

In the context of the U.S., maintaining a certain physical distance is an application of a cultural norm or folkway related to personal space, which can differ across cultures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The social custom of maintaining a certain physical distance in the United States is an illustration of applying a cultural norm or a folkway. Folkways are informal norms that dictate appropriate behavior in the day-to-day practices and expressions of a culture without any moral underpinnings, such as the expectation in North America to keep a larger personal space compared to some Middle Eastern cultures where standing closer is the norm. Cultural values also play a role in what kinds of physical closeness are deemed appropriate in public settings. Adjustments to these practices, like variations in greeting rituals due to health concerns or religious beliefs, highlight the flexibility and evolution of folkways in a society. Personal space and greeting customs, like a handshake or a nod, are types of behaviors shaped by cultural norms, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and awareness to multicultural interactions.