[Last modified: November, 17 2024 11:57 PM]
Handshaking is a ubiquitous social gesture that embodies the reciprocal relationship between the body and society. It is not only a physical act but also a deeply symbolic one that reveals how cultural norms and social interactions are experienced through the body. This practice offers a lens to examine how social environments shape bodily behaviours and how the body, in turn, interprets and expresses those influences.
In daily life, handshakes serve various social functions. They are used to greet others, establish rapport, or signal agreement, such as during introductions, business deals, or moments of reconciliation. Anthropologically, this gesture reflects what Thomas Csordas describes as “the body as a site of lived experience,” where physical actions are imbued with cultural meaning. For instance, in many societies, the firmness of a handshake signifies confidence, while a limp handshake might be interpreted as a lack of engagement. Such embodied practices are shaped by societal expectations and norms, illustrating how the body becomes a medium for communicating social values.
In our seminar discussion, we explored the nuances of handshaking across cultures. For example, in many Asian societies, handshakes tend to be softer, reflecting values of humility and respect, while in Western cultures, a strong grip may indicate strength and decisiveness. Furthermore, the gesture’s social implications can differ significantly. In China or Japan, a two-handed handshake between a man and a woman might be perceived as intimate or romantic, suggesting the influence of cultural frameworks on interpreting bodily actions. These differences highlight how societal contexts shape not only the performance of handshakes but also their emotional and symbolic significance.
The reciprocal relationship between the body and society extends to interactions with objects. As Juhani Pallasmaa notes in The Thinking Hand, “grasping a door handle is akin to the hand shaking hands with the door handle.” This metaphor emphasizes how the body feels and interprets its environment through touch, suggesting that even mundane gestures like opening a door are shaped by and embedded within cultural practices.
Taking handshaking as a starting point, we can consider how the body feels and performs social expectations. What does it feel like to participate in a handshake? The warmth of another’s palm, the strength of their grip, or the duration of the interaction all create a sensory experience that is interpreted socially and emotionally. This act encapsulates how societal norms influence bodily behaviour while allowing the body to mediate and negotiate these norms in everyday contexts.