Ink impressions: public perceptions of tattoos and criminality

In an ever evolving society, the definition and acceptance of deviant behavior has broadened significantly. The taboos that were once cast out by society have begun to be accepted in society. Participation in tattooing is a prime example of behavior that has become more mainstream. This once detestable art form, which ranges from branding techniques of criminals to tattooing as fashion, has been commodified and accepted by certain groups in our society. However, the adoption of this practice by no means indicates that it is uniformly viewed as acceptable. Research has been conducted on this phenomenon; however, limited studies have addressed issues relating to criminal and deviant behavior. The objective of this research is to explore the difference in perceptions among law enforcement officers and college students regarding the relationship between tattoos and perceived criminality. In addition, this study examines whether religion plays a role in these perceptions and if participants view the media as a factor in making tattoos more acceptable within our society. Corollary questions address the role in which gender, race, and age have on these perceptions.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Cook, Ashlee N.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hensley, Christopher
• Garland, Tammy; Iles, Gale
• College of Arts and Sciences

• Tattooing--Social aspects
• Impression formation (Psychology)

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English, eng

Identifier

LB2369.2 .C663 2007

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-2075