Distance Zones (Sociology Class) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Distance Zones (Sociology Class) - Research Paper Example In his groundbreaking study, Prof. Hall introduced the four notations in his system, which are the public, social, personal and intimate distance (Weiten, Dunn & Hammer 247). The diagram as shown below illustrates his theory on how distance affects the way people will interact: This paper is a summary of several observations made in a crowded mall nearby and how many people fit into Halls distance zones during the course of the day, as shown below. The table comprises a total of one hundred observations made over the course of one hour: The largest group is composed of social distance which is not quite surprising if we consider that the mall is pretty much crowded during the time of the observation and it is also a weekend (Sunday mid-afternoon). People may have wanted more distance between them but inside a crowded mall, this is not entirely possible, especially with a special sale going on and there were many shoppers hunting for bargains. This partly explains why the public zone was smaller than anticipated because the mall is an enclosed space rather than an open mall like a country mall (strip mall) or town center. The third largest group is the intimate zone as lovers (adolescents, young singles, newly-married spouses and older couples) may have found a sale a good reason to bring their loved ones along and at the same time enjoy a little intimacy too. The personal zone comprised the smallest group and this more or less coincides with the rare occasion of a special sale for friends or colleagues to go out to gether. Many people have opted to go with their families or lovers, instead of going out with friends, many of whom they see a lot of times already on other occasions. The intimate distance group is not limited to lovers only but includes families going out together (parents and children) as well. As an aside, it is rare to have seen an older man and a younger woman