Who says you can't sit? Taiwan vs. Six Countries' Seat-Giving Culture from the Perspective of Priority

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Liao Weiren 
 
Giving up seats to the elderly, weak, pregnant, or passengers who are inconvenienced or unwell has always been part of our education — from family teachings to school instruction and even societal values. However, Taiwan's seat-giving culture has long since deteriorated. Under media sensationalism and moral coercion, priority seats have become seats no one dares to occupy; giving up your seat seems to have turned into a shackle when using public transportation. And when good intentions become an obligation, does it lose its original meaning?

The Good Intentions Behind Priority Seats
 
Priority seats were originally called “preferential seats.” The concept originated in Nordic countries as part of their efforts to create barrier-free environments, aiming to allow people with disabilities to use transportation just like everyone else while also reflecting the spirit of courtesy. The goal of priority seats is to provide priority seating for pregnant individuals, the injured, the sick, the elderly, and children. However, the introduction of priority seats has also led to many moral issues and debates.

Cultural Differences Around the World
 
The culture of giving up seats has been practiced around the world for many years, but different countries vary greatly due to national character, educational approaches, and public safety. Below, we explore the distinct seat-giving cultures of six countries that are worth understanding.
 
United Kingdom: In British culture, offering your seat to those who need it most perfectly encapsulates their approach to seat-giving. It’s completely normal for elderly people in the UK to give up their seats to students or young people. Conversely, offering a seat to an elderly person may be seen as discriminatory toward aging. Moreover, if they’re not feeling well, elderly Brits typically avoid using public transport altogether.
 
France: In French culture, the individual is the focus, so everyone has different views on giving up seats. If you offer your seat to an elderly person on the metro, you might receive thanks — or you might get yelled at. It’s safer and less likely to cause offense to ask first before offering your seat.
 
United States: In American culture, elderly people generally consider themselves robust. Offering them a seat can be perceived as discriminatory. In the U.S., pregnant women are treated like everyone else, but children are seen as a group deserving of priority seating. So, it’s quite normal in the U.S. to see elderly people giving up their seats to children.

South Korea: In Korean culture, giving up your seat to elders is a must. Even if the train or bus is packed, priority seats for elders often remain empty. Failing to give up your seat to an elder can result in being scolded. Also, since there are no designated seats for pregnant women in Korea, remember to offer your seat to expecting mothers who are working hard through their pregnancy.
 
Japan: In Japanese culture, similar to Western countries, elderly people often do not want to be offered a seat because it may make them feel old or in need of care. Politeness-oriented Japanese people also don’t want to trouble others, so they usually refuse with gratitude. Therefore, extra care should be taken when offering a seat.
 
Australia: In Australian culture, similar to the West, most people do not give up seats to the elderly. However, if there are children, they will often voluntarily offer their seats or make space for them to sit. But in Australia, those who purchase student discount tickets are expected to give up their seats to full-fare-paying adults.

The Influence of Media Sensationalism
 
In today’s Taiwan, priority seats on public transport are no longer seen as seats that one can rightfully occupy. In recent years, due to television reports and media hype, there have been too many disputes and controversies, leading most people to opt to stand rather than risk sitting in a priority seat, fearing backlash.

Moral Policing by “Justice Warriors”
 
With the prevalence of smartphones and social media platforms, it’s common to see so-called “justice warriors” posting photos of people sitting in priority seats on online community sites. They publicly shame these individuals under the guise of morality, and in some cases, even launch doxxing campaigns to track them down. This phenomenon has turned occupying a priority seat into something akin to a crime. This overcorrection has transformed giving up your seat into an obligation, further deterring people from sitting in priority seats.