The Other End of the Needle: Continuity and Change among Tattoo Workers

David C. Lane

Published by Rutgers University Press 2021

The Other End of the Needle

Continuity and Change among Tattoo Workers

David C. Lane

In the series Inequality at Work: Perspectives on Race, Gender, Class, and Labor

https://doi.org/10.36019/9781978807518

Overview
Contents

About this book

The Other End of the Needle demonstrates that tattooing is more complex than simply the tattoos that people wear. Using qualitative data and an accessible writing style, sociologist Dave Lane explains the complexity of tattoo work as a type of social activity. His central argument is that tattooing is a social world, where people must be socialized, manage a system of stratification, create spaces conducive for labor, develop sets of beliefs and values, struggle to retain control over their tools, and contend with changes that in turn affect their labor. Earlier research has examined tattoos and their meanings.

Yet, Lane notes, prior research has focused almost exclusively on the tattoos—the outcome of an intricate social process—and have ignored the significance of tattoo workers themselves. "Tattooists," as Lane dubs them, make decisions, but they work within a social world that constrains and shapes the outcome of their labor—the tattoo. The goal of this book is to help readers understand the world of tattoo work as an intricate and nuanced form of work. Lane ultimately asks new questions about the social processes occurring prior to the tattoo’s existence.

Author / Editor information

DAVID C. LANE is an assistant professor of sociology in the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University in Normal.

Reviews

"It takes two to tattoo–someone being tattooed and the tattooist. Their encounter has to be face-to-face, and this fact shapes how tattooists work, regardless of whether they approach their work as a craft or as high art. In this fascinating book, David Lane takes us into the many corners of the tattooists’ world, revealing how the occupation retains its traditions in the face of dramatic changes."

— Joel Best, University of Delaware

"Looking at the nature, habits, and cultural codes of professional tattooing, Lane reveals the complexity of tattooing as an art form, work world, and social process. The tattooists appear as resilient agents who resist capitalist alienation, unionization, and state-level regulations. We also see the artists as gatekeepers who maintain the class, race, and gender order of professional tattooing. A truly interesting read."

— Katherine Irwin, University of Hawai’i at Manoa

"In The Other Side of the Needle, David C. Lane provides an absorbing and accessibly written view of the tattoo world from the perspective of tattoo workers. Drawing on an art-world perspective and packed with insights from tattooists, the book explores the working lives of tattooists. It provides a much-needed and thorough treatment of this understudied area and will be of interest to scholars in the production of culture as well as to anyone interested in tattoos and tattooing.

— Victoria D. Alexander, Goldsmiths, University of London

"A compelling, in-depth look at tattoo artists and their social world as they pursue fulfilling, enchanting work in the midst of a dehumanizing capitalist system. Lane provokes fascinating questions about how artists organize spaces, navigate laws, and construct authenticity as tattoos become increasingly popular. Reading made me want to get more tattoos – and ask my artist all sorts of questions!"

— Ross Haenfler, author of Straight Edge Hardcore Punk, Clean Living Youth, and Social Change

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	ix
Introduction: Tattooing for Beginners Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
1 The Social World of Tattooing Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	12
2 Organizing Space Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	39
3 Careers of Tattooists Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	66
4 Legal Consciousness among Workers Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	98
5 Ties to Conventional Institutions and Ideas Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	121
6 Sources of Contention Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	140
7 External Threats and the Maintenance of Boundaries Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	158
Conclusion: Continuity and Change Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	183
Appendix A: Methodology Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	189
Appendix B: Breakdown of Participants Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	195
Acknowledgments Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	199
Notes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	201
References Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	215
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	225
About the Author Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	231

Language: English
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Audience: College/higher education;
Pages
- Main content: 243
Illustrations
- Other: 1 illustration, 2 figures, 2 tables
Keywords: Class; Labor; Race; Gender; Inequality; Workplace; Tattoo Workers; Sociology; Social Issues; Tattoos; Tattooists; Values; Tools; Machines; Institution

eBook

Published: November 13, 2020
ISBN: 9781978807518