| |
| author |
Ansel Bloom
|
| title |
Tattoos in a Modern Context: Unique or Ubiquitous? A Mixed-Methods Study to Provide Some Answers
|
| abstract |
Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young adults. Despite this, there
remains a connection in both the academic literature and popular perception between tattoos and
deviance. Additionally, there is a lack of current research that takes a qualitative, holistic
approach to understanding the perceptions, motivations, and meanings surrounding tattoos in
samples other than niche sub-cultures. Successful, non-deviant young adults, such as college
students, provide the opportunity to question this connection between tattoos and deviance, as
many sport tattoos and yet will be entering into traditionally conservative work environments.
The present study employs a mixed methods design to provide current information on the
prevalence of tattoos in a college sample, answer questions related to employment concerns, and
explore the motivations, meanings, and gender expressions that tattoos can embody. Results
illustrate the complex nature of tattoo meanings, in which several motivations may be filled by
one tattoo. Additionally, results indicate that most college students are largely unconcerned about
employment discrimination based on tattoos, managing any concern through avoiding tattoos or
choosing tattoos in inconspicuous locations. Results also assess non-tattooed participants’
perspectives on tattoos, which were largely positive, though at times dependent on the nature of
the tattoo. Directions for further study are explored relating both to college students and other
populations of interest.
|
| school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
|
| degree |
B.A. (2019)
|
| advisor |
Patrick Dolan
|
| committee |
Jill Cermele
Marie-Pascale Pieretti
|
| full text | ABloom.pdf |
| |
