Cultural Norms And Gender Dynamics: Exploring The Gesture Of Handshaking In Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, it is considered inappropriate for a woman to shake a man's hand unless they are related or the woman initiates the handshake. The culture dictates that men and women refrain from physical contact unless they are engaged or married. When greeting a woman, men are advised to place their hand over their heart and nod, which is also customary when greeting someone who is uncomfortable with being touched.

Men and women do not shake hands when greeting each other unless they are married or engaged

In Afghanistan, men and women do not shake hands when greeting each other unless they are married or engaged. This is because, in Afghan culture, men and women are expected to maintain an appropriate distance from one another. In fact, men and women are not supposed to touch at all unless they are married or related.

When greeting a woman, a man should place his hand over his heart and give a slight nod. He should not extend his hand to her, as she will likely refuse to shake it. However, if a woman does offer her hand, it is acceptable for a man to shake it.

Women, on the other hand, have more freedom to greet other women as they wish. Women often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, while also shaking hands. However, in public, they tend to avoid kissing and stick to a handshake or a simple greeting.

In Afghanistan, physical contact is generally reserved for people of the same gender. Men commonly shake hands when greeting each other, and they may also hug, kiss each other's cheeks, or hold hands as a sign of friendship.

If a woman initiates a handshake, it is acceptable for a man to shake her hand

Afghanistan is an extremely traditional culture with strict rules about the interaction between men and women. Men and women do not usually shake hands when they greet each other, and there is no physical contact between unrelated men and women. It is rare to see a woman shake a man's hand, and men should not extend their hand to a woman as there is a high chance she will refuse.

However, if a woman initiates a handshake, it is acceptable for a man to shake her hand. Men should wait until a woman extends her hand first before offering his own. It is also acceptable for men and women to shake hands and be left alone to speak directly to each other if they are close family members (husband, father, brother, uncles).

If a man speaks to a woman directly in a social context, he is dishonouring her, so greetings between the sexes are usually indirect and deferential. The best way for a man to greet a woman is to put his hand on his chest and say "Salam alaikum" ("Hello"), with a slight nod, and ask "Chetor asten?" ("How are you?")'.

Men may greet women by placing their hand over their heart and nodding

In Afghanistan, it is customary for men and women to refrain from shaking hands unless they are close relatives or the woman initiates the handshake. This is because, in Afghan culture, physical contact between men and women is generally prohibited unless they are engaged or married.

As such, men may greet women by placing their hand over their heart and nodding. This gesture is also used to greet others who are perceived to be unaccustomed to being touched. The act of placing one's hand over the heart is a sign of honesty and sincerity in many cultures, including Afghanistan, and is often used during greetings to indicate respect.

In addition to this, men may also greet women verbally with a "Salam" or "Salam alaikum", which means "Peace be upon you". Afghans also typically ask about the other person's health, business, or family as part of their greeting ritual.

It is important to note that eye contact between men and women during greetings is kept to a minimum out of modesty and respect for personal space.

Afghans generally avoid sustained eye contact with members of the opposite gender

In Afghanistan, it is considered respectful for Afghans to lower their gaze and avoid sustained eye contact with members of the opposite gender. This is especially true during greetings, where eye contact should be kept to a minimum to demonstrate modesty. However, direct eye contact is expected when conversing with people of the same age, gender, or status.

Greetings between Afghans of the same gender typically involve a handshake with the right hand. Close friends and family may also hug, backslap, and kiss each other on the cheeks. However, physical contact between men and women who are not related is generally prohibited. Men and women do not shake hands when greeting each other, and it is rare to see a woman shake a man's hand. In most cases, men greet women by placing their hand over their heart and nodding.

These customs are tied to Islamic principles, which prescribe that the left hand should be used for hygiene purposes and is, therefore, considered unclean. As a result, the right hand is always used for gesturing, touching people, or offering items.

Physical affection between men and women outside the house or in the company of strangers is inappropriate

In Afghanistan, physical affection between men and women outside the house or in the company of strangers is considered inappropriate. The culture maintains a strict separation between men and women, with women often confined to their homes. Women are also discouraged from stepping outside prescribed gender roles and behavioural norms in public, as this could lead to moral condemnation and social ostracism.

In greetings, men and women do not usually shake hands. If a woman initiates a handshake, it is acceptable for a man to reciprocate. However, physical contact beyond this is generally prohibited unless the man and woman are engaged or married. Men and women who are not related do not even shake hands when they greet each other.

In Afghanistan, it is normal for men to express physical affection towards other men, such as holding hands, hugging, and kissing on the cheek. This is seen as a sign of friendship and solidarity. However, such expressions of affection are not acceptable between men and women due to the segregation of the sexes.

The concept of masculinity in Afghanistan is strongly linked to honour and control over women. Men are expected to be aggressive, intimidating, and emotionally closed off. They are discouraged from discussing their emotions and fears and are often pressured by their peers to adhere to stereotypes of masculinity. Men who do not conform to these expectations may be shamed and insulted.

The restrictions on women's behaviour and the pressure on men to conform to masculine stereotypes have negative consequences for both genders. For example, the denial of education to girls has directly contributed to the high rate of female deaths in the community, as there is a lack of qualified female healthcare professionals. Additionally, the perception of Afghanistan as "backward" and oppressive towards women makes it less attractive to educated, urban professionals.

Efforts to redefine masculinity and promote gender equality in Afghanistan are ongoing. Initiatives such as the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) project aim to engage young men in self-reflection and encourage them to adopt peaceful concepts of masculinity, tolerance, and positive social behaviour. However, progress has been slow due to the sensitive nature of gender discussions in the country.

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