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Identify a relationship you have had. This could be a friendship, a romantic partner, a co-worker or a sibling. Using the Social Exchange Theory:

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Culture frequently dictates what is appropriate and inappropriate touch, but there are also individual standards for appropriate and inappropriate touch.

For example: While patting a child’s head is considered to be a friendly or affectionate gesture in our culture, it is considered inappropriate by many Asians to touch someone on the head, a gesture reserved for dogs. The head is considered a sacred part of the body. In the Middle East, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and should not be used to touch another or transfer objects. In Muslim cultures, touch between opposite gendered individuals is generally inappropriate. Each of us also have individual standards. We may not like people touching our hair, or standing too close to us in a crowded room.

How does this theory help us to understand the difference between culture standards and individual standards? Explain why with specific examples.