Confined Space Theory
This theory is pretty well known and I’m going to credit it to my friend Sarah Bennett. I’m sure we have all come across it somewhere.
The Theory essentially goes like this. Parties are better in Confined Spaces.
Expanded Theory – “Events Are Better in Confined Spaces”
Now, the term ‘better’ obviously bears some reflection, simply because it may refer to someone’s opinion given their own experience. So, if you had a great time and I had a rubbish time, then our version of the type of party will obviously be different. This theory however needs to be considered in view of the many events that occur where some type of crowd exists and within that crowd, small circles or mini-crowds form. It is the experience of the mini-crowd that is being touted as ‘better’ in this theory.
I think you will find that even within events or parties themselves, it is the confined space that gathers the most attention. Spaces such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms are small and restrictive and yet people seem to want to congregate there. This occurs even though there are plenty of chairs and tables available outside the back door on the deck or around a pool.
This confined space allows for close contact between the crowd members. There is not just physical touching in order to be a part of the group, but usually a group ‘think’ or group discussion that takes place with all members participating agreeing to the general theme of conversation or action at hand. In fact, within a confined space, there is no room for disagreement. Either participants agree and continue their discourse or leave the space as the weight of popular opinion becomes too much for them to bear under such scrutiny.
The alternative is that the participants that disagree either form their own mini-crowd or the entire existing mini-crowd disbands and reappears in another confined space to continue their discussions.
As previously mentioned, the theory is not confined to parties. Events such as concerts etc. often have a mini-crowd within the crowd at the front known as a mosh pit. This ‘space’ is confined by the tightness of the crowd and lack of air around the people, being them together as one. Whilst they are not in discussion, they are in agreement with their actions, each of them taking part in the group think as the music plays. Outside of this space, the energy dissipates and whilst some small groups may be excited to be taking part in the experience, their energy levels cannot match those within the confined space.
Each time this theory asserts itself there are a combination of factors:
- A small space not necessarily defined by walls
- A group approach to the subject at hand and general agreement to it
- An increase in energy levels above those normally felt outside the ‘space’
These are the reasons that parties are better in confined spaces. The party goers agree with each other, they get to touch each other and they have higher energy levels than others.
Is this a theory with some substance, an opinion or just rubbish? Why not leave a comment and let us know.
