A Brief Survey Of Interdigitation And Its Socioeconomic Implications

Anthropology is that science which deals with the study of humanity in all settings, places and times. Sociology is the study of human interaction. Of considerable interest to both fields, yet a topic that has received relatively little serious attention by scholars, is the practice of interdigitation. In Western society, interdigitation occurs commonly among people of all backgrounds, ages and economic strata. There are few traces of it in recorded history, but it may well be as old as the human race itself. Illustrations of what is clearly interdigitation can be found in Egyptian tombs, although we do not know whether it was widespread in the lower classes at that time or a prerogative of royalty. It is graphically depicted in some of the ancient temple statuary in certain areas of India. The Romans did it, and from them the practice spread throughout Europe. Oddly, it is almost exclusively a human trait. Although it can be taught to higher primates with sufficient inducement, it is apparently not natural to them and rarely if ever occurs among animals living in the wild.

Heterosexual interdigitation is of particular interest, for in Western society it represents an important stage in courtship. It is an accepted practice among unmarried couples, even in social groups where other forms of physical contact have been strictly suppressed. And with the advent of the sexual revolution, its practitioners have become surprisingly open. Today, go to any place where young couples gather, look in a quiet corner and you will often see interdigitation going on.

In another prevalent form, interdigitation takes place between two consenting males. It may even be that this is an inevitable consequence wherever men are forced to live and interact – in college fraternities, in the workplace, as well as in the military. A remarkable amount of interdigitation has been found to take place in political circles. This form is quite different from the one previously discussed. Between males, interdigitation is usually brief and accompanied by little emotion, but nevertheless carries great social importance, since it is used to signify the absence of aggressive intent.

Can you catch disease from interdigitation? This question is often asked, and the answer is an unequivocal yes. Doctors and other health care professionals are becoming increasingly aware that interdigitation is the most common mechanism by which many diseases are spread. There are literally hundreds of ITD's. Aside from complete abstinence, what can you do to protect yourself? First of all, know your partner. Second, practice reasonable hygiene, both before and after contact. Many stores sell coverings which can be worn when an act of interdigitation is reasonably anticipated. There is a wide variety from which to choose: natural ones made from animal skins, as well as those manufactured from artificial materials such as latex. In the larger metropolitan areas you can often find specialty stores that carry ones which are highly ornamental. Regrettably, people often avoid the use of such protection, including those who know better. This is undoubtedly because the pleasant physical sensation that interdigitation produces is thereby decreased, as well as the feeling of intimacy.

Interdigitation – or in lay terms, holding hands – is quite likely to remain a part of our society.