The tattoo taboo : a case study of the stigma of tattoos in Singapore

Abstract

This study aims to shed light on the symbolic meanings of tattoos in Singapore. Historically, tattoos have been linked to criminality and little research has explored other meanings behind the symbol. From religious devotion to self-expression, each tattoo is personal to the individual despite society’s reactions, which may be otherwise. The respondents are Singaporeans aged between 21 to 39 years old who are mainly from the religious groups of Christianity, Islam and individuals who have no religion. The findings show some relationship between religion and tattoos. Tattoos are also seen to symbolise a personal meaning rather than a religious one, and the meaning of the tattoo may change over the course of a person’s life. In order to combat stigma against tattoos, tattooed individuals use stigma management strategies to discredit the deviant labels attached to them. These results contribute to the wider research of tattoos and religion in contemporary Singapore.