Discrimination of Tattoos in the Workforce

Elias NoriegaOakland University

Tattoo Machine courtesy of Russinov/Dreamstime.com

Research Question

• How are tattoo people discriminated against in the workforce?

• How they affect the employment of an applicant?

Hidden tattoo courtesy of Innovatedcaptures/Dreamstime.com

Importance of question

• Tattoos are growing trend amongst our generation.

• They are a form of art and expression• Discrimination of tattooed people affects the

numbers in the workforce and quality.

Tattoo Supplies courtesy of Lubastock /Dreamstime.com

The Affect on Employment

• Out of 20 people, 17 of them are currently employed.– This included on campus and

off campus

• 16 out of 20, stated that tattoos should not have effect on employment.

Tattooed or not?

• 12 people had at least one tattoo.

• 8 people did not.

• In comparison 15 people are planning on getting a tattoo.– 3 people who did not are

planning.

Neon tattoo design courtesy of Danelle Mccollum/ Dreamstime.com

Should tattoos be allowed?

• Out of 20, 15 people stated yes.– Form of expression/art– Does not affect work– Beliefs

• The “No” reasons:– Unprofessional– Not appropriate– Does not like them

Main Discrimination

• When asked the main reasons for discrimination. These were the results– 7 did not fit

professional setting/ appearance

– 4 design of tattoo– 3 was location– 6 against beliefs.

Results

• 14 million people in America have at least one tattoo.

• There are jobs and industries that will not hire you.– John Clarks article (Tattoo You) of nurse.– Experiment conduct in restaurant setting with tattooed

and non-tattooed.• The Tattoo Forum– Discusses tattoo designs, related experience as well as

laws and rules– Rubber band test

Conclusion

• Tattoos can affect your employment as of now, however it is a growing trend in our generation.

• Most companies do have policies for tattoo and some do not.

• Most industries do accept tattoos or are starting too.– Example- article by Mike Boyd discussing

conversation of two business pertaining to tattoos.• Tattoo removal is an option.

Any Questions?Wings tattoo design courtesy of Kseniya Polishchuk / Dreamstime.com

Pride lion tattoo courtesy of Kuzzie/ Dreamstime.com

Love tattoo courtesy of N.l /Dreamstime.com

Tattoo artwork courtesy of Lucidwaters /Dreamstime.com

References

•Boyd, M. (2007). Commentary: Learning to accept tattoos and piercings in the workplace. The Colorado Springs

Business Journal (Pre- June 2, 2012), 0. Retrieved from http://

search.proquest.com/docview/224583570?accountid=12924

•Brallier, S. A., Maguire, K. A., Smith, D. A., & Palm, L. J. (2011). Visible tattoos and employment in the

restaurant service industry. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(6) pg. 72-76. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/904525399?accountid=12924

•Clark, J. R. (2012, March). Tattoo You. Air Medical Journal, 31(2), Pg. 68-69.

•Harden, S. (2013, December 11). Tattoo Statistics. In Statistic Brain. Retrieved from http://www.statisticbrain.com/tattoo-statistics/

•Jobs that discriminate. (n.d.). In The Tattoo Forum. Retrieved from http://www.thetattooforum.com/jobs-discriminate-t15170p5.html

•Tattoo: what you need to know. (2012, May 9). In WebMD. Retrieved from

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tattoos-what-you-need-know

References-Cont.• Innovatedcaptures. (n.d). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 28, 2014 from http://

www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-hidden-tattoo-young-caucasian-businessman-revealing-image36578569

• Kuzzie. (n.d.). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 29, 2014 from http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-image-pride-lion-tattoo-image13803821

• Lucidwaters. (n.d). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 27, 2014 from http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-tattoo-artwork-pacific-island-male-artist-draws-design-chest-young-men-client-real-people-adult-studio-bw-image34437919

• Lubastock. (n.d.). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 26, 2014 from http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-tattoo-supplies-machine-black-ink-bottle-image33705037

• Mccollum, D. . (n.d.). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 29, 2014 from http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-neon-tattoo-sign-image14486555

• N.l . (n.d.). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 28, 2014 from http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty- free-stock-photo-love-tattoo-image4060965

• Polishchuk, K. . (n.d.). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 29, 2014 from http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-wings-tattoo-design-elements-your-image32056805

• Russinov. (n.d). Dreamstime.com. Retrieved March 26, 2014 from http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-tattoo-machine-image29450594