The Ink Divide

Appearance is inextricably linked to gender performance and identity. Adorations of the body are fundamental to personal expression, and the alteration of clothing, hairstyle, and cosmetics can enhance or detract one's perceived biological identity. However, permanent alteration of the body in the form of a tattoo has traditionally been considered a "socially marginal and risky consumption choice in American/Western culture" (Watson 1998) although the practice is prevalent enough today to enhance the gendering of a body. Tattoos, an increasingly popular "body decoration," can be examined as an expression of social identity, but more importantly reveal a person's perceived social position.

Tattoos are only starting to emerge as a mainstream practice, explaining the limited research on the subject. However, past studies have demonstrated trends in types of tattoos and tattoo locations, and gender/sexuality. For example, it has been shown that "males think of the tattoo as primarily a symbol of self concept...and females think of tattoos as decorative symbols primarily for personal enjoyment" (Watson 1998). This research focuses on individuals and their personal connections to a tattoo despite the fact that many tattoos are visible to others. Therefore, it is important to investigate who is getting a tattoo and where they are placing it. Is the tattoo being used as a socially identifying marker that illustrates gender, sexuality, or socio-economic status? If so, how does the location on the body enhance this marker?