Status and sex: Some touching observations

Abstract

An observational study of touching in public was made, with attention to status variables (sex, race, age, SES) and settings. Results support the hypothesis that touch privilege is a correlate of status. The dual nature of touch as a sign of both status and solidarity is compared with Brown’s formulation of the similar use of terms of address. © 1973, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.