Tattoos and Female Identity

Section I. a - Topic

Tattoos have been used for a range of purposes all over the world and through many ages. In some cultures they are a rite of initiation into adulthood, in others, expressions of religious faith or sacrifice. For many centuries tattoos have been a taboo in western culture, linked to the bottom half of society because they were most often found on sailors who discovered the practice on their journeys. But today, they are becoming very prevalent in young generations, and especially in young females.

While I am researching this topic I would like to find out which tattoos are most popular with females today in order to analyze the possible meanings, and possibly link them to female expression of identity. I would also like to find out how many female tattoo artists there are relative to male tattoo artists and find how the females view their profession. The last question I would like to answer is if tattoos help women express themselves in a different way than is normally possible (ie clothes, jewelry, sports, writing). My intended audience is anyone who will listen, but I think it will interest women, probably younger than older because they are more likely to see tattoos the way that I see them.

Section I. b - Search terms

UNC Library Catalog keyword seach:
Identity AND Tattoos
Tattoos AND Wom?

Academic Universe Lexis-Nexis
Tattoos AND Women AND identity
Tattoos AND Female

Google
Tattoos AND Women AND Self-expression
Tattoos AND Wom!

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Contact her at joje@email.unc.edu

Last updated 4/10/03