Social and Labor Market Discrimination Related to Visible Tattoos: Why Are People Tattooed?

Abstract

As of 2023, 32% of Americans have at least one tattoo. In this paper we look at the social and labor market stigma occurrences as well as why people are tattooed. The paper will be using primary data, collected through a survey that had 214 participants. I run a logistic regression since the main dependent variable, being tattooed or not, is binary. I found that if a parent has a tattoo you are more likely to be tattooed. Also that females and LGBTQIA+ members are more likely to be tattooed, which was seen in prior research. Further that social stigma is most often felt from extended family, and labor market stigma depends on the visibility of tattoos. This can be used alongside previous literature to make claims about the growth in popularity of tattoos and how they should be placed for future workforce ventures.