Young people and tattoos

Abstract

Where once tattoos were perceived in a rather negative light, attitudes towards this practice seem to be changing, especially amongst young people. In fact, increasing numbers of both young males and females coming from all walks of life are currently opting to be tattooed. In this study, I have attempted to explore this phenomenon in the context of Maltese youth through the use of guided questionnaires and interviews. From a research perspective, I was interested in the perceptions and experiences of tattooed young people. I tried to gain insight and a better understanding of the various issues surrounding this growing trend, my main query being whether or not tattooing on young people was in fact a social issue in Maltese society. I also attempted to get a hint of the perspective, knowledge and experience of non-tattooed people on this subject, in order to learn the meanings that people attach to tattooing, as this is an essential part of social reality. From my research results, I learnt that young people feel that general perceptions on tattooing are changing and that tattoos are gradually becoming more accepted. Such perceptions have yet to change further. However, one must also acknowledge that, at this point in time, tattooing is not yet a widely accepted practice in our society.