As the above passage suggests, in any particular public space when a group is sufficiently large, there is created for the individuals who make it up an area of private space. That is, a sufficiently large group provides for its members a kind of mobile "home territory" which they may move about with them from setting to setting. This is possible because a group is (by definition) made up of persons who know one another well and who identify with one another and who thus reciprocally ensure mutual protection and self-confirmation.

DEFINE: Defines how a sufficiently large group functions as a portable 'home territory' through mutual recognition and protection.

DEFINE: Defines how a large, well-acquainted group functions as a portable 'home territory' in public spaces via mutual protection and self-confirmation.

Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order a…, loc. 818