social distance

"Social distance" has distinct meanings in sociology and health contexts, addressing both societal separation and physical distancing measures.

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Definition

C1Sociology

(academic, formal)The degree of separation or closeness between different social groups, such as in terms of class, ethnicity, or gender.

Example

  • Social distance can influence how different communities interact and perceive each other.
  • Policies aiming to reduce social distance can help promote inclusivity and understanding.

B2Health

(technical, medical)The practice of maintaining physical space between individuals to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

Example

  • During the pandemic, maintaining social distance was crucial to reducing transmission rates.
  • Health guidelines recommend a social distance of at least six feet in public spaces.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "social distance":

social distancingpersonal spacesecurity distanceat a distancesocial mediumdistance functionsocial nicety