Even though tattoos have become more acceptable in modern life, there are still many people who feel strongly that tattoos are taboo, especially for women. This is especially prevalent in socially conservative circles, in particular the men in these circles. Socially conservative views on tattoos can vary greatly, as opinions on body art are strongly influenced by individual beliefs, cultural values, and societal norms. However, one thing that many of them can agree on is their dislike of tattoos. This is especially the case for women who have tattoos.
I have noticed two very different views both firsthand and watching various points of view on YouTube. One example is the infamous video/article “Men prefer debt-free virgins with no tattoos” and the various riffs on YouTube tearing this statement to shreds. The author is extremely socially conservative. I don’t feel the need to name the author, a search is more than enough. In my personal experience, both my brother and I each have one tattoo, on our right legs. When my family noticed mine, I saw two different reactions. My mother, who’s Panamanian and leans more liberal, liked it and thought it was pretty, even saying “It’s your money and your leg” when I was surprised that she wasn’t angry.
My conservative father, on the other hand, was somewhat hysterical even after my mother said “It’s her money and her leg.” While it settled the discussion, I know that at the next big family gathering he’s going to start some drama about it.
My mother’s more relaxed attitude may be because she’s a little more progressive, it may have been influenced by the tattoo being the Dove Orchid, the national flower of my mom’s home country Panama. It may also have to do with the fact that Panamanians generally have a less judgmental attitude about tattoos, as it’s more common among the population.
This article explores the link between socially conservative beliefs and traditional gender roles, as well as the perceived impact of tattoos on these roles.
What is Socially Conservative?
Social conservatism is a political and social philosophy that emphasizes traditional values and institutions, advocating for limited societal change. Individuals with socially conservative views often adhere to traditional gender roles and hold conservative beliefs regarding personal appearance and self-expression. They oppose things that include too much change and believe that a woman’s place is in the home, not the workforce, military or in government. They believe a woman that has tattoos or hair that’s not a natural color is less ‘pure’ and ‘feminine’ than a woman that has no tattoos and her natural hair color. In other words, a social conservative wants to keep society as it was in the past and not allow for much social change, if any at all.
Link Between Socially Conservative Beliefs and Traditional Gender Roles
Socially conservative views typically uphold traditional gender roles, where men and women are expected to conform to specific behaviors and appearances. In this context, tattoos can be perceived as a departure from societal expectations, especially for women. Tattoos were and sometimes still are traditionally associated with deviance, criminality, rebellion.
In some religious contexts, they are strictly forbidden and can come with terrible historical connotations. While early Christians wore tattoos with pride, even to their deaths, Ancient Greeks and Romans viewed them as a permanent way to show wrongdoing and people in the Holocaust viewed them as brands that placed them as animals for the slaughter, making them feel subhuman. This was particularly troubling for Orthodox Jews who were concerned that the tattoos that were placed on them against their will would still bar them from a Jewish burial. In the present day, some survivors still have conflicting attitudes, on whether to hide or embrace them. Some of their descendants have tattooed the same number as their ancestors did as a way to honor them.
In Asian countries like Japan and China, tattoos are associated with street gangs and criminals even to this day, while in America, they were sometimes associated with sailors, criminals and the circus and are still associated with criminals and gangs, both street and prison.
Nowhere is the attitude towards women with tattoos more of a contrast than those of the American circus of the 19th century. On the one hand, there were the tattooed ladies of the circus. Despite almost all of them spinning tales of getting tattooed against their wishes, they almost always did this willingly. Why would they in such a time where women were seen as property and ? Because these women were paid extremely well for women of their time and had an opportunity to travel the world, something that many people in the modern era don’t even get to do. Circuses in the 19th century were rife with racist and ableist themes, one of which is a fascination with “barbaric” lands that were “newly discovered”.
On the other, there was a case of a woman who was raped in the 1920’s. She had a butterfly tattoo and the case was thrown out because “her body wasn’t hers” and thus they deemed the trial against her attacker as invalid. While tattooing of American women in the 19th and early 20th centuries offered a chance at a lucrative income and a chance to go to places beyond the tiny hometown, it also rendered an already vulnerable class even more vulnerable.
In history a dichotomy existed and a variation still does. On the one hand, it can be seen as a sign of degradation, disgrace and crime. On the other, it can be seen as a sign of power and glory. A general consensus of the tattooed is that of agency: if they were forced, it is often seen as shameful while if they wanted the tattoo, it can be seen as a way to mark your body as yours. Even so, a valid concern is finding a job. Some employers still view those who have tattoos as untrustworthy and criminal, so it may make it harder to find a job, especially if the tattoos are easily visible
Societal Views on Women with Tattoos and Traditional Gender Roles
Women with tattoos have historically been subject to scrutiny and judgement. While men with tattoos are frequently seen as rugged, rebellious, hot and intriguing, women with tattoos may face harsher judgement and prejudice. Societies have held differing opinions on whether women with tattoos are seen as rebellious, immoral, or lacking in femininity. These views can be particularly pronounced in socially conservative communities.
Sadly, women with tattoos often experience social stigma and discrimination. They may be judged, ostracized, or excluded from certain social circles due to their inked appearance. In socially conservative communities, this stigma can be particularly strong, as tattoos may be viewed as a violation of societal expectations.
Tattoos on women, particularly in socially conservative communities, are often met with mixed opinions. Some perceive tattoos as a rebellion against traditional gender roles and view women with tattoos as challenging societal norms and expectations. Others view them as looser morally and more promiscuous, and thus more open for sexual advances and more adventurous sexual experiences. Thus, women are sometimes advised to cover up for career and romantic advancement.
Perceptions of Women’s Tattooed Bodies by Socially Conservative Men
In socially conservative communities, some men may hold negative views towards women with tattoos. They may equate tattoos with promiscuity, associate them with deviant behavior, or see them as detracting from a woman’s beauty or femininity. These perceptions often stem from deeply ingrained gender norms and traditional beliefs.
Control and Ownership of Women’s Bodies
The control and ownership of women’s bodies have been topics of debate throughout history. Traditional gender roles often dictate that women’s bodies should conform to societal expectations, and any departure from these norms can be met with resistance. Tattoos challenge this control and ownership, leading to further disagreements in socially conservative circles.
Throughout history, women’s appearance has been regulated by societal and cultural norms. From corsets to foot binding, women have faced expectations to conform to specific beauty standards. Tattoos can be seen as a modern-day challenge to these expectations, as they symbolize a woman’s agency and self-expression.
In the modern era, it is still a hot button issue. However, it is not as relevant as it was in the past. Even so, the popular stereotype of a feminist in Conservative circles is that of a woman with blue hair and tattoos. Additionally, some people feel as though they are allowed to harass and touch tattoos on women, especially if they are in highly visible areas. This renders a body that is already sexualized and objectified even more so.
Socially Conservative Viewpoints on Women’s Autonomy
Societal expectations female bodies is that men in general have a level of of ownership. This is especially the case within socially conservative circles, where female bodies are routinely controlled and scrutinized and women are expected to behave in a traditional manner.
Socially conservative viewpoints often prioritize conformity over individual autonomy, particularly when it comes to women’s bodies. Tattoos, as a form of self-expression, can be seen as threatening to the established order, challenging the traditional control exerted over women’s appearance and choices. The opinions of socially conservative men regarding tattoos on women can vary. However, some may hold negative views, associating tattoos with rebellion, deviance, or promiscuity. These opinions can stem from traditional gender roles and the desire to adhere to societal norms.
Tattoos can be seen as a defiant act against traditional control over women’s bodies. They serve as a visible sign of autonomy and self-expression, asserting a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. In socially conservative communities, this challenge to control can elicit strong reactions and disapproval.
Yes, there are specific reasons why socially conservative individuals, particularly men, may frown upon women with tattoos. These include the association of tattoos with rebellion, the violation of traditional gender roles, perceived deviance from societal norms, and negative stereotypes surrounding women’s appearances.
Impact on Relationships and Social Interactions
Women with tattoos often face unique challenges in their relationships and social interactions. This section explores the influence of tattoos on relationship dynamics, the social stigma and discrimination faced by women with tattoos, and how socially conservative men navigate relationships with women who have tattoos.
Tattoos can influence relationship dynamics in various ways. While some partners are supportive and embrace their significant other’s body art, others may struggle with societal judgment or personal biases. The presence of tattoos can lead to discussions about individuality, freedom of expression, and acceptance within relationships.
For socially conservative men in relationships with women who have tattoos, navigating societal expectations and personal beliefs can be challenging. While some may struggle with their partner’s tattoos initially, successful relationships often require open-mindedness, respect for individual choices, and a willingness to challenge one’s own biases.
For women with tattoos facing negative attitudes, it is important to remember that self-expression is a fundamental right. Stay confident in your choices and be open to respectful dialogue. Engaging in meaningful conversations can help challenge biases, bridge understanding, and foster acceptance among individuals with differing opinions.
At the end of the day, getting a tattoo is up to the person whose body it’s going on. The person with it is the one who has to live with it unless they can afford to get it removed or covered with a different tattoo. As my mother said “It’s their (insert body part) and their money. Why does it matter to you?”
What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below and keep your eyes peeled for the Discord server coming in the future.
Reference
- Dictionary of Populism: Social Conservativism
- Social Conservatism in the United States
- Most Vulgar and Barbarous: A History of Tattoo Stigma
- The Social Stigma Surrounding Tattoos: Shifting Perceptions in Modern Culture
- 11 Tattooed Women on the Double Standards They Face For Being Inked
- I Can’t Even Wear my Skin: the Experiences Visibly Tattooed Women Have for Rejecting Hegemonic Femininity
All pictures that are not of my tattoo are from Pinterest. Because of the subject matter, I tried not to show the faces.