INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 1983
www.rsisinternational.org
Beyond Skin Deep: Exploring the Motivations, Stigma, and Cultural
Significance of Tattoos in the Professional World
Nelia A. Britanico, Christopher A. Britanico, Kurt Sid Marione P. Estrebillo Bill, Christian A. Escuro
College of Liberal Arts, University of Saint Anthony, Camarines Sur - Baao, Region V (Bicol Region),
Philippines
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91100160
Received: 20 November 2025; Accepted: 26 November 2025; Published: 03 December 2025
ABSTRACT
This study explores the reasons people get tattooed, the lingering societal prejudice regarding body art, and its
impact on careers in the Philippines. Applying a phenomenological framework, data collection was conducted
through semi-structured interviews and online surveys with professionals who have tattoos, human resource
(HR) practitioners, as well as college students. Results indicate that while younger individuals perceive tattoos
more as self-expression than ever before, professional stigma is still highly prevalent in conservative sectors.
This research rests on Andrea Salvini's (2010) Symbolic Interaction Theory, Mitchell Green's (2010) Self-
Expression Theory, and Link and Phelan’s (2001) Theory of Stigma. Thus far, the study has led to the creation
of an awareness magazine “INKclusivity” which aims at promoting inclusivity within work environments.
INTRODUCTION
Throughout time and space, tattoos have served a variety of established cultural roles including tribal ceremonies
or expressions of contemporary individuality (Ramirez et al., 2023). In the Philippines, indigenous tattoo artistry
is respected professionally, but modern forms of body art face stigma (Duropan et al., 2024). There remains bias
against individuals with visible tattoos in employment opportunities and career progression despite constitutional
protections for free expression (The LawPhil Project, n.d.) and anti-discrimination legislation (AMSLaw, n.d.).
This investigation applies Salvini’s (2010) Symbolic Interaction Theory to explain how social meaning is
attributed to tattoos in interpersonal relations; Green’s (2010) Self-Expression Theory on tattooing as a reflection
of one’s identity and agency; as well as Link and Phelan’s (2001) Theory of Stigma on the enduring societal and
professional biases regarding body art.
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to explore the motivations, stigma, and cultural relevance of tattoos in professional settings. It
seeks to answer:
1. What are the motivations behind getting tattoos, and how are they symbolically interpreted?
2. How do professionals with tattoos navigate workplace stigma and related policies?
3. How are tattoos perceived across various professional sectors?
4. What material can be developed to promote understanding and inclusivity regarding tattoos in the workplace?
METHODOLOGY
Research Design: A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used to understand the lived experiences of
tattooed individuals in professional settings.
Respondents and Sampling: Twenty-eight participants were purposively, and snowball sampled:
10 tattooed professionals (ages 26–42)
8 HR officers (ages 24–31)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 1984
www.rsisinternational.org
Data Collection: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and Google Forms surveys with open-
ended questions.
Data Analysis: Thematic analysis was employed to categorize recurring themes in line with the study’s
objectives (Braun & Clarke, 2020).
RESULTS
1. Motivations and Symbolism: Respondents expressed tattoos as outlets for emotional healing, cultural pride,
artistic expression, and personal milestones. These align with Green’s Self-Expression Theory and Salvini's
symbolic interpretations (Frankel et al., 2023).
2. Workplace Stigma: Despite growing acceptance, visible tattoos often invite bias. Many professionals
employ strategies such as concealment. This reflects Link and Phelan’s view of stigmatized identity
management (White, 2020).
3. Sector-Based Perceptions: Creative sectors are more accepting of tattoos than conservative industries.
Students showed more openness, indicating a generational shift (Junio et al., 2024).
4. Output: An awareness magazine titled "INKclusivity" was developed to advocate for inclusive workplace
policies and broader cultural understanding. (see attached)
DISCUSSION
As described in the study, participants' motivations pointed to a desire for affirming their identity which aligns
with Green’s assertion that self-expression lies at the heart of human flourishing. Tattoos serve as visual
narratives embodying individual experiences and social interactions, a point made by Salvini’s Symbolic
Interactionism (Duropan et al., 2024).
However, the enduring stigma captures Link and Phelan's argument where marked individuals are covered within
the frames of social structure and power relations (Belkin, 2021). The acceptance and rejection from various
domains simultaneously demonstrates the existent professional risks associated with having tattoos.
The INKclusivity project aims to raise awareness and stimulate conversations which aligns with advocacy goals
for fostering a more inclusive culture as highlighted by this research.
CONCLUSION
Tattoos stand as intricate signifiers of identity and sociocultural context, yet they remain a matter of professional
dispute. A self-expression, interaction, and stigma framework reveals socially constructed meanings accompany
personal interpretations about tattoos.
Traditional office cultures continue to perpetuate stigma; however, younger generations and creative industries
offer glimmers of optimism. Raising awareness through campaigns such as “INKclusivity” seeks to challenge
workplace policies that disregard the diversity lovingly etched into skins as a celebration of humanity.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings the following recommendations where created:
Integrate educational programs about the cultural and personal significance of tattoos.
Enforce anti-discrimination workplace policies inclusive of body art.
Encourage dialogue between management and staff on appearance policies.
Distribute "INKclusivity" in academic and professional institutions to enhance tattoo awareness.
REFERENCES
1. AMSLaw. (n.d.). Civil Code of the Philippines. https://amslaw.ph/philippine-laws/civil-law/civil-code-of-
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XI November 2025
Page 1985
www.rsisinternational.org
the-philippines
2. Belkin, S. (2021). Your co-worker undressed: Tattoos, identity, and stigma in the American white-collar
workplace.
3. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2020). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.
4. Duropan, E. C., et al. (2024). The working experiences of tattooed professionals in the white-collar
industry.
5. Frankel, S., et al. (2023). Tattooed individuals in a community: Motivations and identities.
6. Green, M. (2010). Self-Expression Theory. In Self-Expression and Communication.
7. Junio, D. S., et al. (2024). Exploring the inked future: A study on the tattoo intentions of Gen Z.
8. Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2001). Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27(1), 363–
385.
9. Ramirez, C., et al. (2023). Batok: The exploration of Indigenous Filipino tattooing.
10. Salvini, A. (2010). Symbolic Interaction Theory.
11. The LawPhil Project. (n.d.). The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
12. White Jr, D. L. (2020). Evaluating educators’ perceptions of tattoo stigma.
