Cultural Conditioning and Gender Roles

[Plenum]

definitely Spaced. Different cultures have different 'tolerance levels' for physical contact.

For eg:

http://echodepiction.wordpress.com/2010/...old-hands/

Why Do Arab People of the Same Gender Hold Hands?

In Arab culture, physical contact such as holding hands between people of the same sex is a sign of affection without any sexual connotation. It’s considered a sign of warmest affection and respect – a sign of solid friendship.

In fact, in Arab culture if a man chooses to not touch another in a greeting, it can be considered a sign of distance or rudeness. The same goes for women. Kissing cheeks, long handshakes, and holding hands are meant to reflect friendship, peace, and equality. When it comes to strangers, they do not kiss cheeks or hold hands. Of course, greetings then would be more formal, such as a quick handshake and nod of the head.