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- For other uses of 'groom' and 'grooming', see groom.
In social animals and humans social grooming is a major social activity, and a means by which animals who live in proximity can bond and reinforce social structures, family links, and build relationships. Social grooming is also used as a form of reconciliation and a means of conflict resolution in some species.
It is a reuse of ordinary grooming behavior, a means of achieving hygiene and good health, in that an animal that helps another animal to clean itself, is also helping to form a social bond and trust between them.
Use in regard to animals
Individual animals regularly clean themselves and put their fur, feathers or other skin coverings in good order. This activity is known as personal grooming or preening, a form of hygiene. For example, combing through the hair and extracting foreign objects such as insects, and leaves, dirt and twigs, are all forms of grooming.
In social animals, grooming has been extended however, into a major social activity, whereby animals groom each other. The trust and bonding this builds are critical to the social functioning of many species. It pays an important role in establishing and reinforcing social relationships and dominance hierarchies.
Use in regard to humans
In humans, social grooming has an extended meaning, due to the wide range of human social structures and communications. It can also include aspects such as gossip, sycophancy, flattery, and other behaviors and communications fulfilling the same purpose as social grooming behavior does in animals.
See also
"Social grooming"