tattoos as deviant behavior

Due to this change, many tattoo artists must in fact be artists, and custom design and draw tattoos for their clients. My Body is My Journal, and My Tattoos are My Story: South African Psychology Students Reflections on Tattoo Practices. Those in the community of elite tattooing dread the day when their scale of body art becomes common place and entirely accepted. There are many deviant behaviors that are now acceptable in today's society such as getting tattoos. Tattooing has become more widespread and popular in the past years and has become more accepting and acknowledged in main stream society. The skin adorned becomes not a prison, but a proclamation of ones sociality. Deviant behavior can also be explained by psychological trauma in one's past. Where did you do it? The author explains that body art, which includes tattooing, body piercing, scarification, branding and permanent cosmetics, has become an occupation because it establishes exclusive jurisdiction in one area of knowledge (Maroto, 102). Even though one or two tattoos are quite popular across the country, those who are heavily tattooed are seen as outcasts to some extent. (Maroto, 117-118), Regulations contain mixed feelings within the tattoo shop owners and tattoo artists. However, the artists feel that on site learning is the most important to their training rather than obtaining a degree. There was one notable exception: Participants viewed tattooed people, and especially women with tattoos, as stronger and more independent than their counterparts without tattoos. They are also seen as being deviant in society. Similarly, they saw tattooed individuals as evil, satanic, dangerous, rebellious, ungodly, stupid, reckless, unprofessional, weird, not-Christian, associated with criminality, cruel, showoffs, outcasts, anti-social, bereft of morals, and defiant of society. The media has especially aided this process. Adult content consumption, drug use, excessive drinking, illegal hunting, eating disorders, or any self-harming or addictive practice are all examples of deviant behaviors. Of course not," said Jarod Root, who was getting inked at Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas. She acknowledges that early on, the deviance associated with body art initially isolated the community. They are under conforming to the social norms. She was formerly the Development Producer and Science Editor of PBS's This Emotional Life. Participants also referred to medical reasons or fear of needles and pain (10%). This can have a poor impact on the tattooing community. This is an article that claims to have found an apparent link between tattooing and deviant behavior. The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. Sociological Spectrum 21, 2001: pg. Therefore, Maroto argues that they use both informal strategies, based in social networkers and formal strategies, based in standardization and statutory regulation, to keep control over the other people in their field. This is because the person looks so different when the tattoo is completed. In addition, there are conventions set up for artists to meet and learn from one another. Among those who harbored negative views, they stated that tattoos were (in their own words), ugly, trashy, messy, cheap and filthy. In a majority of cases of elite collectors the job is not done until all areas of the body are covered by as much ink as possible, from as many different famous artists as possible. This quote relates back to the control theory and the strain theory that we studied early on in the year because this is a way of the upper class controlling something they are not a fan of they label it as bad and deviant. Bad eggs, or people that do not do this, can give a bad name to tattooing. Also they are viewed as a type of celebrity status and have glamorous personas. Now this is not a new argument, but it is the first time a public official has argued for the social benefits of tattooing. Control is said to mean, the ability to exert jurisdiction over a set of occupational practices, regulate people and the activities they perform, and maintain autonomy as a group (Maroto, 103). She was formerly the Development Producer and Science Editor of PBS's This Emotional Life. In another article, Saints and Sinners: elite tattoo collections as positive and negative deviance by Katherine Irwin evaluates the effects which tattoos have on individuals and the behavior which take place in those who have tattoos. (47) Although tattoos are becoming widespread and mainstream it is still typical to just see someone with one or two tattoos. Maroto, Michelle Lee. This week in our Deviant Behavior class, we will be screening the documentary I created, Covered, which documents some social issues in the lives of heavily tattooed women and female tattoo artists. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Art | Crime Archive (ACA) is a collaborative laboratory, teaching center, and web-based platform devoted to the study of the shadow space where art and crime overlap. Some see tattooing as an occupation but Maroto has a broader spectrum of the tattooing concept and defines it as a profession-when it establishes exclusive jurisdiction over a particular area through the use of abstract knowledge. Body art is made up of many practices including tattooing, body piercing, scarification, branding and permanent cosmeticsall which have been considered deviant behavior in our country (Maroto 106). Tattoo artists are among the few who can afford the high cost of tattoos; hence, members of this group make up the vast majority of tattoo elites. (Irwin, 3). She found that as professionals, their line of work does not fall under any specific category. Questions: There is an increasing size and competition in this independent field of work. May you please extend them a bit from next time? Broussard and Harton assert that despite the increasing popularity of tattoos over the last decade, people with tattoos are viewed negatively. This greatly affects women because heavy tattooing on women is seen as an extreme notation of conventional female beauty norms (Irwin 38). It was very interesting that among elite tattoo collectors and artists, patches of plain skin serve as reminder of the unfinished, unbalanced nature of their body suits. Previously seen as deviant and negative skin marks the world of body art is now seen as a true art form within the world of art. PostedSeptember 3, 2019 It can have various meanings such as beauty, femininity, romance, heroine, a muse, desire, independence, or good luck. He realizes that whats been written of his story so far has shaped him into the man he is today. Tattoos have shifted to be many different forms of personal identification; from tribal, to low class, to upper class, and now widely accepted in all levels of society. I believe that is important because I believe our society has been and still is battling with self image. French of the University of Miami and colleagues surveyed more than 2,000 people in the United States and found that those with tattoos were no less likely to be employed than their uninked counterparts, and that average earnings were the same for both groups. As time went on however tattooing became more widely known and more socially acceptable. There are also health concerns. He doesn't even drink or smoke, he said. Heavily tattooed women are looked down upon even further, since tattoos are often thought to be manly or tough. Informal spheres of control over standards influence network communication, apprenticeship training and market shelters; formal spheres of control over standards influence standardized training, seminars, statutory regulation, outside inspections, and scientific research (105). Participants reported reasons such as to keep my mothers memory, a way of honoring my first child, and presented what I was going through at a certain time of my life. Some participants (12%) also felt that their tattoos were an extension or expression of who they were. With all of this in mind, it is safe to save that body art professionals do not fall under any category. While they still hold a certain stigma about them, they are gradually becoming more accepted and appreciated. http://www.needlesandsins.com/2010/04/cbs-news-on-tattooed-women-fighting-stereotypes.html, This link is to a list of the top ten cities in America that MSNBC found to be the most tattooed cities in America. Many of the sour looks, harsh stares, and informal punishments given to the heavily tattooed come because these individuals embrace norms and values that contrast sharply with conventional appearance norms. (Irwin, 8). 77% of the people Maroto interviewed began as an apprentice (112). Younger respondents were more likely to have tattoos, with nearly half (47%) of those 18-35 years old reporting that they had a tattoo. The first strategy she talks about is the formation of professional organizations. Tattoos spread across western culture with the involvement of sailors through trade routes. Now that it is becoming more popular, some want to put in regulations. http://www.arthistory.net/artstyles/bodyart/bodyart1.html, My favorite Tattoo Website: The 2 Most Psychologically Incisive Films of 2022, The Surprising Role of Empathy in Traumatic Bonding. This gave her a lot of insight into the world of tattooing. The idea of the second strategy, professional organizations, was to increase the cohesiveness and allow for better organization of occupational groups. One study concluded that 51% of college students sampled had body piercing and 23% had tattoos. Although a smaller nonchalant tattoo is becoming a normalcy, once the tattoo gets to large and intricate, people will view it as too much. Irwin, Katherina. There are different levels of work that is done by tattoo artists, much like there are different levels of work accomplished by artists. Tattooed people do not look like most people, and therefore are considered deviants. They also show a conflict in core standards and they appreciate a different set of values and normative. What did the researchers find? This blog chronicles our new, augmented reality. So the Texas Tech researchers wondered if people who were "old-school enthusiasts" might act badly to further separate them the posers who just have a tat of, say, a dolphin or a rose. Mostly young adults are beginning to give themselves stick and poke tattoos. But these regulations would allow less freedom for the artists. However, despite claims to the contrary (Koch, Roberts, Armstrong, and Owen 2010), this direct connection between tattoos and deviance appears to be weakening. 1- Were you an apprentice at any point in time? Therefore, many shops are extremely diligent in terms of sterilization and the overall cleanliness of their shops. Can a person with autoimmune diseases and other such illnesses get tattoos, or are the health risks too great? The findings of the research showed that most people work as independent contractors. Is it based on spots in the shop that are open to privately contract, whether the apprentice passes a test, or whether they get along with the other artists, because it is such a familial environment? More people are looking to get tattoos so business increases, yet there is also increased competition. Tattoo artists are not connected to other businesses, so it is important they keep organization within their own occupational group. I feel it must be easier for those who already have tattoos to return for additional ones. This occupation can be seen as deviant compared too many others in our society. How has having an inked body affected your relationships and day-to-day societal interactions? PostedSeptember 28, 2018 Tattoo collectors also receive positive reactions when individuals make sort of connections with the art that is displayed on their bodies so there is certainly a rift in who and what is considered deviant in regards to this practice. In the contrary, there are people that dont see this as being art, they find this to be ugly instead of artistic. One participant reflected, I am a religious person so my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Informal deviance refers to violations of . The sample frame was all licensed tattoo and piercing shops in Kings County Washington, totaling 104 tattooists and 45 piercers, but also shop owners and employees. Tattooing is considered a fine art. At this point in time, prior to the Tattoo Renaissance of the 1970s (Rubin 1988), tattooing was almost solely practiced by working class groups, miscreants, and the social underbelly of America. Body arts explained as something that early on once divided the communities as it previously considered deviance or an act of deviant behavior to participate in. Body art practitioners as independent contractors face regular challenges from the social world and still maintain control over their industry. A) Tattoos and Notions of Deviance Tattoos are body adornments which have been found all over the world with different respective meanings and purposes. In Michelle Lee Marotos article Professionalizing Body Art her main argument is how these artists were once considered deviant and since they have been more accepted by society would like to be viewed as professionals as opposed to occupational groups. The kernel of truth hypothesis maintains that stereotypes about a certain group contain a degree of truth that is based on observation. Members of the industry do not want the character of the practice damaged by those who just do not follow the same quality practice.There are serious concerns in tattooing that some do not follow the same standards of cleanliness and could spread disease to clients. 3. Owners of stores are just like any other business owner whom has to rely on their workers to do a professional job and do it well. http://www.professionaltattooartist.com/. 1) Where is the most common place a first timer will get a tattoo? Print. Tattoo collectors often feel embarrassed when their tattoos are not complete. These positive deviants are defined as exceptional characters (42). Her second example was professional tattoo artists who create the expensive artwork. 2. Sociological Spectrum 21, 2001: pg. With the increasing mainstream presence of visible tattoos and piercings among entertainers,. These are the offenses that involve breaking into houses or other property to steal. Deviant behavior is any behavior that a) violates the law. We use cookies to improve your website experience. Reviewed by Ekua Hagan. But once you look past the surface, the study doesn't actually say that people who have more body art are more likely to do bad things. Irwin tells how many fine artists began tattooing to experience a new art form and brought with them the techniques and training that allow them to produce true quality work. Irwin, Katherine. Stealing and incivility are commonly cited as examples of deviant, or harmful, behavior. Old Medication, New Use: Can Prazosin Curb Drinking? When in reality this occupation isnt that easy to start out in, she mentioned that from the beginning body artist are considered apprentice and slowly work their way up in the profession, concluding that informal strategies of control are used. The first documented tattoo artist in the United States was Martin Hildebrant, and he tattooed members of the military on both sides of the Civil War. A tag will be listed next to the tattoo as an indicator. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38722211/ns/today-style/t/top-most-tattooed-cities-america/#.TrrKrmC4Ixo, Changes in tattooing throughout history: This entry was [], Currently part of a debate into police tattoos in Australia as well ~ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-29/police-crack-down-on-tattooed-officers/3798918, [] trata de sus identidades, sus familias, y sus amigos, como dice Dave Paul Strohecker en su blog The Society Pages. La desviacin es una categora que usan los socilogos para describir el comportamiento [], [] You can find the rest of this article right here > http://thesocietypages.org/cyborgology/2012/01/19/generational-change-in-the-social-acceptability-of [], [] Generational Change in the Social Acceptability of Tattoos [], Hi, wonderful and well-written read! Irwin, Katherina. What are the most and least painful places on the body to get a tattoo? Society has associated tattoos with deviant behavior and with the gang culture. Statutory regulations are important because of the risk of disease and infection if not regulated correctly. Because tattoos and piercings are so common, the researchers wondered if people who saw body art as more of a subculture would turn to deviant behavior to show they weren't part of mainstream. High culture icons are described as those with an appreciation for fine art and otherwise considered high cultural ideals that would be normally supported by elite social classes. For instance the Marines have outlawed visible tattoos for some time, and the Army National Guard recently extended its tattoo ban. Broussard and Harton assert that despite the increasing popularity of tattoos over . Body piercings are generally defined as any piercings that do not include the lobes of the ears and do include any facial piercings, cartilage of the ears, genital piercings, etc. Her first example was the elite collectors, who are more than willing to pay high prices and are heavily tattooed, but still in search for excellent artwork to further cover their bodies. This is a link to a Body Art Expo! There is a high rate of tattooing and body piercing among college students. Those with tattoos were found to have significantly higher levels of verbal aggression, anger, and were more rebellious compared with people without tattoos. Keep me logged in. She describes the reactions are varying from praise, insults and worships. Control is divided into two spheres: control over standards and control over members (104). However, artists argue it is inappropriate for people without tattoos, or who lack knowledge of this art form to be making regulations regarding this. There are also statutory regulations. Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? Tattoos, vegan lifestyles, single parenthood, breast implants, and even jogging were once considered deviant but are now widely accepted. The timeline below maps the changing acceptance and use by different social groups. Body artists do not have a strict way of keeping control, because this would take away from what they view themselves as, artists. That is, are they actually heavier drinkers, have more negative personality characteristics, and less intelligent. Studies focusing exclusively on tattooed women have found that they are judged more harshly than their male counterparts. Symbolic Interactionism. Yet when the investigators controlled for age, the finding for greater alcohol intake was weaker. Even within this tattoo world there is a difference between its members. Irwin states, While they [elite collectors and tattooists] are positively evaluated by members of deviant and fringe social groups, they receive both praise and derision within conventional society, suggesting that these individuals may be considered both positive and negative deviants (Irwin, 53). Though tattooists are looking forward to becoming fully professionalized the US Census Bureau of Labor Statistics categorize body artists as miscellaneous personal services (Morato 124). Early research on this topic explores the core properties that are necessary for an occupation to become an actual profession. This is in complete opposition to the belief that light, clear skin is the desired trait in society (Irwin 35). The author says in all other times she would be anonymous in a crowd, just seen as another passerby, but with her friends they are spotted immediately and people believe that it is all right to voice their opinion about them and their decision to be heavily tattooed. In Professionalizing Body Art by Michelle Maroto the article defines professions as: exclusive occupational groups applying somewhat abstract knowledge to particular cases. For a line of work to be seen as a profession it must include two aspects, exclusivity, and abstract knowledge. There is also talk about standardizing training through degrees and certificates. It is evident that tattoo elite are seen as negative deviants because the majority of people do not respect them or treat them correctly, even with keeping in mind the fact that they are not part of the typical society and possess different norms. To support her argument Lee states that there are three dominant strategies of professionalization: the standardization of training, the formation of professional organizations, and the incorporation of statutory regulations (Maroto 106). Conclusions of this article found that the professional title of body artists does not fit into just one professional category. These people are an example of positive and negative deviants in society. If you belong to the group of elite collectors and are not an artist yourself you are usually very knowledgeable about the subject and have a passion for your body art. However I admire the people who do, and the artists that create these pieces of art. They take the ink deeper than the skin, but into the past, present and future of the owner. Do you think there should be more rules and standardization regarding tattooing and piercing? Irwin, Katherine. But people with tattoos are actually more aggressive and rebellious than those without, researchers have found. Samurai would tattoo their whole bodies in a way to keep the concept of their traditional armor in tact. Furthermore, most of the tattoo artists are seen as somewhat of a celebrity in the eyes of their customers. However, if someone had tattoos which meant something to them (e.g., a name of a person who has passed on or a logo symbolizing an important event in their lives) that's perfectly fine something I might consider getting myself in the future.. This illustrates that tattoos are ideas of groups that are permanently tattooed on the body. Did you doubt whether it was a good idea or not because of possible stigma attached, or were you so enthrawled in the culture of body art, that it did not matter that a stigma is still attached? Most of them classify themselves as well-educated artistic consumers (44). He had received it from tattoo artist Liam Sparkes. In the case of tattooed people, they are often stereotyped to be criminals, dangers, or drug addicts. I have a few, and I wanted them to be dumb, because just the idea of getting one is kind of dumb.. Up until this time, they were reserved for a small population, mainly those in the entertainment industry. All told, the authors state, these views may not have a basis in fact and are indeed just stereotypes. These are meant only for directions from these cities: They can often prevent people from getting jobs. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Findings indicate that while tattooing has developed a broad demographic appeal, there remain some strong associations with deviance, particularly criminality. Assault. To learn about our use of cookies and how you can manage your cookie settings, please see our Cookie Policy. That is, having a tattoo was a pretty tell-tale sign that you were likely to be engaging in other deviant activities. In this collection of 48 reprinted and completely original articles, Tammy Anderson gives her fellow instructors of undergraduate deviance a refreshing way to energize and revitalize their courses. A survey published by the Statista Research Department in 2019 states that, in the U.S. alone, about 44% of the population has at least one tattoo. Findings indicate that while tattooing has developed a broad demographic appeal, there remain some strong associations with deviance, particularly criminality.