Setting: The Red Line of the MBTA in Boston.
When I ride it, I often notice how differently men and women take up space in the train.
Women tend to use constrict themselves as much as possible, minimizing the amount of space they use. Two women riding together tend to stand or sit close to each other.
Men tend to spread out - spreading their legs apart and sometimes taking up more than one seat. If two men are riding together, they sit or stand far apart, even if it means that they must shout to carry on their conversation.
What does this tell us about body images and territoriality? I often try to come to a conclusion while riding the train, but I haven't succeeded yet.