O trabalhador tatuado: considerações sobre trabalho, tatuagem e estigma numa cultura de consumo

Abstract

This study aimed to understand how the conspicuous use of the tattoo, as a consumer good, is made in work environments vis-à-vis the possibility of stigmatization its user-boaster is subject to. So we identified the factors considered when the use of tattoo is decided, and how the consumption of tattoo founds the constitution or reconstitution of the identity of tattooed one. The theoretical framework of this study was due to the deepening of themes previously studied by Bauman, Hall and Giddens, in their studies of Identity; Slater, with respect to consumer culture; and Baudrillard, related to consumption. Totten, Lipscomb and Jones contributed their studies on work and tattoo environment, and Goffman, with the consideration of stigma. This is a qualitative and exploratory study, conducted with narrative interviews seeking information towards data analysis. Data were collected from eight tattooed, of both sexes, aged between 23 and 37 years, residents of the State of Rio de Janeiro, in August and September 2014. The results showed that the work environment is still hostile with the tattooed, although there is ongoing alleviation of this stigma. It also demonstrated that the tattooed defends themselves from stigma by tattooing on body sites that may hide through clothing, and with no aggressive designs. We conclude the work by making recommendations for companies and tattooed in order to benefit both.