Final answer:
In Western cultures, public distance refers to the amount of personal space individuals prefer to maintain in social interactions. It is generally larger compared to other cultures and can be approximately an arm's length.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a Western culture, the concept of "public distance" refers to the amount of personal space that individuals prefer to maintain in social interactions. Western cultures, like North America, tend to value a larger "personal space" and maintain a greater distance between individuals in public. This distance can vary depending on the situation and the people involved, but a general rule is to maintain an arm's length of space between each other when talking face to face.