Sharing Space: Extending Belk's (2010) 'Sharing'

The concept of sharing, as elaborated by Belk (2010), is universal, improves the efficient use of resources, increases security through communal bonding, and takes place primarily in the “interior world” of home. However, the manifestation of sharing differs greatly when the context of sharing is within the “exterior world” of public spaces. This article extends Belk‟s (2010) “Sharing,” by examining the characteristics and dimensions of sharing space. We put forth the elements of personal space, ownership and territoriality as factors that influence the sharing of space, and present the concept of social mixing as being beneficial to consumers.