Holding hands: Difference between revisions
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==Cultural aspects== |
==Cultural aspects== |
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Whether friends hold hands depends on [[culture]] and [[gender role|gender]]: in Western culture this is mainly done by women and small children (sometimes for authoritative control, not affection), spouses and romantic couples. In Arab countries, [[Africa]] |
Whether friends hold hands depends on [[culture]] and [[gender role|gender]]: in Western culture this is mainly done by women and small children (sometimes for authoritative control, not affection), spouses and romantic couples. In Arab countries, [[Africa]], some parts of Asia, and traditionally in some [[Mediterranean]] and [[Southern European]] cultures (especially in [[Sicily]]) it is done also by men and/or boys for [[friendship]] and/or a sign of respect. |
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The tradition of holding hands originated in the 16th century in France. |
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[[File:Bush-abdullah1.jpg|thumb|right|[[George W. Bush]] and [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia]] holding hands struck a nerve with the [[USA|American]] people.]] |
[[File:Bush-abdullah1.jpg|thumb|right|[[George W. Bush]] and [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia]] holding hands struck a nerve with the [[USA|American]] people.]] |
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Revision as of 22:42, 29 August 2015
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2007) |
Holding hands is a form of physical intimacy involving two or more people. It may or may not be romantic.
Cultural aspects
Whether friends hold hands depends on culture and gender: in Western culture this is mainly done by women and small children (sometimes for authoritative control, not affection), spouses and romantic couples. In Arab countries, Africa, some parts of Asia, and traditionally in some Mediterranean and Southern European cultures (especially in Sicily) it is done also by men and/or boys for friendship and/or a sign of respect.
The custom of men holding hands can cause discomfort in societies unused to it, as it did with some Americans, when, in 2005, then Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia held hands in public with the American president George W. Bush.[1] 74% of gay male respondents in a 2014 EU Fundamental Rights Agency survey say they avoid holding hands in public for fear of harassment and assault.[2]
See also
References
- ^ Holguin, Jaime (11 February 2009). "Abdullah-Bush Stroll Strikes Nerve". CBS News.
- ^ "EU LGBT survey - European Union lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survey - Main results" (pdf). Fundamental Rights Agency. October 2014. p. 87. Retrieved 31 October 2014.