The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers
touching people
norm: when it is like this, it is good to do some things (see more)
In Australia it can be like this:
It can be bad to touch someone (e.g. on parts of the body e.g. arm, shoulder) if it is like this:
I do not know this person very well. This person does not know me very well. I am not with this person at many times. I am not with this person at many times with no other people. This person does not feel something good towards me.
It can be good to touch someone (e.g. on parts of the body e.g. arm, shoulder) if it like this:
I know this person very well. This person knows me very well.
I can know if it can be good to touch someone like this if this other person has touched me like this first.
Note
Touching people on the arm or shoulder can be very uncomfortable for lots of people. If in doubt, it is better not to do it. Many people use the indicator in the final like to judge if it is appropriate or not. Touch in social interactions is often gendered, with women feeling more comfortable touching women in this way, men touching other men especially on the shoulder, and rarer touch gestures between men and women, unless they are close friends."If someone is crying, it can be good to say something like 'would you like a hug?' or to put a hand on their shoulder."
"Jackie and Keegan are talking. They don't know each other very well. It can be bad if Jackie touches Keegan on the arm while saying something. Keegan can feel something bad because of this."
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