While kissing as a romantic expression is prevalent in many cultures, it's not universal; several cultures do not traditionally engage in kissing.
According to research, kissing is not a global norm. Specific regions, including parts of Central America, South America, and Africa, exhibit less kissing behavior. In a study of 168 cultures worldwide, only about half were observed to kiss romantically.
Here's a breakdown based on the referenced information:
- Central America: 0 out of 10 cultures researched displayed romantic kissing.
- South America: Only 4 out of 17 cultures researched showed romantic kissing.
- Africa: Only 4 out of 27 cultures researched engaged in romantic kissing.
It's important to understand that the absence of kissing doesn't imply a lack of affection or intimacy. These cultures express affection through various other means, such as physical touch (holding hands, hugging), gift-giving, verbal affirmations, and acts of service. Cultural norms regarding physical intimacy vary widely, and kissing is just one manifestation of affection that is not globally recognized.
