Test the hypothesis that there is a stigma attached to individuals with tattoos in the workplace

Hilliker, Ashley

English

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Tattoos in the Workplace 
Ashley Hilliker 
Indiana University South Bend 
  
 As the art of tattooing becomes more popular and accepted 
within various societies, the stigmas and stereotypes of those with 
such body modifications remain.  For years tattoos have been 
viewed as a deviant act, one that causes individuals to associate 
them with risky and foolish behavior. The stigmas and attitudes 
placed upon these individuals continue in an array of areas, as 
those with tattoos are judged on personality, character flaws, 
behavioral patterns, intelligence, and approachability. Since tattoos 
were first introduced in the 1700’s, those who chose to 
permanently alter the body were subsequently placed within a 
deviant subculture (Burgess & Clark, 2010). Thus, tattoos were not 
an acceptable social norm, but a maladaptive practice.  
  Individuals often obtain tattoos as a form of self-expression 
and identity. However, doing so may cause other individuals to 
misjudge the moral compass and character of a person based 
solely on the presence of tattoos. As previous studies have focused 
their resources on attitudes toward women and styles of tattoos, a 
limited amount is directed toward attitudes about tattoos in the 
workplace. Different professions, specifically white collar positions, 
may look down upon an employee with tattoos or refuse to hire 
someone based on tattoo presence. Blue collar jobs are often less 
rigid and professional, therefore accepting tattooed employees at a 
higher rate (Dean, 2010). This study was done to distinguish 
whether or not stigmas exist among different positions. Regardless 
of tattoo status, an individual’s character and personality should not 
be looked down upon.  
Hypothesis 
 
• There is a stigma attached to individuals with tattoos in the 
workplace compared to non-tattooed employees. 
Introduction 
Method 
Results 
Discussion 
 Though my original hypothesis was not supported, the relationship that 
was found between various personality and physical characteristics and tattoo 
status may be a sign that social stigmas do exist against individuals with tattoos. 
As tattoos are becoming more prominent in society, the stigmas associated with 
them need to be eradicated. There is no way to effectively judge the character of 
an individual based on whether or not the person has a single tattoo or several. 
Doctors, dentists, and CEO’s can have tattoos and be extremely successful 
regardless.  
Future Direction 
 Further research is needed to examine the differences in attitudes toward 
tattoos within white and blue collar professions. Though there was no 
significance in determining overall negative attitudes toward tattoos, further in 
depth analysis of tattooed individuals may be beneficial. There will always be 
varying opinions toward the tattooed population, as to what is deemed to be 
acceptable in different environments, but tattoos only go skin deep. There are 
many other factors to consider when deciding who would be an acceptable 
candidate for a position.  
Figure 1. Those without tattoos found individuals with tattoos to be more rebellious, as well as 
less attractive, respectful, and presentable. 
Figure 1 
Acknowledgments:  I would like to  thank Dr. Schult, as well as my participants for assisting me in this project . 
 The total attitudes toward tattoos in the workplace were calculated by adding all 
responses given in the scale measuring appropriateness in different professions. The 
responses based on the rating scale were summed for each profession (range=0-16). 
 
• A 2(Group: Tattoo or No Tattoo) x 3(Age: 18-25, 26-35, 36 and above) factorial ANOVA 
was used to determine attitudes. 
• The main interaction, Age x Tattoo Status provided no significant results, F(2, 39) = .358, 
p = .701 
• In addition, the main effects for age, F(2, 39) =.563, p =.574, and tattoo status, F(1, 39) 
= 1.186, p =.283, were reported.  
• A Pearson Chi-Square test was also used to determine a relationship between various 
personality characteristics and tattoo status. Tattoo status was used as a measure to 
compare frequencies. 
• Significance was found in the areas of rebellious, attractive, presentable, and 
approachable, p<.05 (See Figure 1 for summary). 
-  Rebellious X Tattoo Status, X²(1, N=50) = 3.978, p=.046 
-  Attractive X Tattoo Status, X²(2, N=50) = 8.759, p=.013 
     -   Respectful X Tattoo Status, X²(1, N=49) = 7.027, p=.008 
     -   Presentable X Tattoo Status, X²(2, N=50) = 8.069, p=.018 
Participants 
•  A total of 50 students participated in the study, 40 females 
and 10 males. Participants signed on to the research 
management system to complete the online survey. 
 
Questionnaire 
•  A single survey modified from Dwayne Dean (2010), 
Attitudes Toward Tattoos, was given to the participants.  
     A total of 25 attitudinal questions were asked. 
•  Part 1: The first 15 questions were regarding the 
appropriateness of tattoos in various white and blue-collar 
professions.  
•  A rating scale was used as the response format, from 0 to 
4, with 0(No Opinion), to 1(Strongly Inappropriate) to 4
(Strongly Appropriate). 
•  As each profession was given, participants were to 
indicate the appropriateness of tattoos depending on 
whether the tattoo/s were: large and visible, large and 
hidden, small and visible, or small and hidden. 
•  Part 2: The remaining 10 questions pertained to personality characteristics and 
physical traits of tattooed individuals.  
•  Participants were to rank whether or not people with tattoos were more, less, or no 
different than people without tattoos in different categories.  
•  Example: Are individuals with tattoos more, less, or no different than individuals 
without tattoos in the area of attractiveness and creativity? 
Burgess, M., & Clark, L. (2010). Do the “savage origins” of tattoos  cast a prejudicial 
 shadow on contemporary tattooed individuals? Journal of Applied  Social 
 Psychology, 40, 746-764. doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2010.00596.x 
Dean, D. H. (2010). Consumer perceptions of visible tattoos on service 
 personnel. Managing Service Quality, 20, 294-308.  doi:
10.1108/09604521011041998 
 
 
References 


Tattoos in the Workplace

https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/bitstream/2022/16780/1/Advanced%20Lab%20Poster-Final.pdf

Tattoos in the Workplace

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