Investigating Cross- Cultural Differences in Personal Space: Kurdish and Northern women in Iran

Abstract

This study investigated cross-cultural differences in regard to the size of personal space among two Iranian sub-cultures (Kurdish and Northern women) vis-à-vis strangers. Methodology of research designed on participant observation, stop-distance method and questionnaire. A random size of 100 Kurdish and Northern women was selected in Sanandaj and Sari cities. Moreover, to examine the survey Chi-Square Test and Independent Sample Test were conducted. The results show that Kurdish women require more inter-personal space while walking and sitting than Northern (Mazani) women do. These findings assist environmental designers to represent strategies for achieving privacy in relation to Iranian sub-cultures.