Feminine Tattoos

As tattooing continues to make the transition from socially risqué to socially acceptable, researchers are now better equipped to make a clearer distinction as to what is consideredfeminine tattoos, and masculine tattoos. For the purpose of this article these differences are not solely gender specific, as they also reflect both the feminine and masculine personality types within each gender, and use the term to include both. 

The obvious differences (skulls vs. flowers etc.) come as no surprise, but what's interesting, is the different choices regarding placement and personal meaning, and reasons for getting a tattoo. It turns out that tattoo location is very gender specific, and is an indicator of the differing symbolic meanings tattoos have for men and women.

Males tend to have tattoos on their arms, while women chose to locate them on their breasts, hips, lower abdomen, or back. Males primarily think of a tattoo as symbol of self-image or self-control; a functioning glimpse into both themselves, and how they are perceived by others. It acts as a communal display of masculinity.

Females on the other hand think of tattoos as a decorative symbol, largely for personal enjoyment or the pleasure of a significant other. Although females may not overtly think of the tattoo location in terms of gender, their tendency is toward private display.

The research also indicates that visible tattoos are still more stigmatizing for women than men today, so the option to place the tattoo on a private area allows women to maintain a faultless identity when coming in contact with strangers or informal acquaintances.

While females are more likely than males to have vow and personal tattoos that have private meanings, males are more likely to have group affiliation tattoos that have an obvious public meanings. The study concludes that if the tattoo is in a private location, then the person with the tattoo is likely female or has feminine tendencies.

Feminine tattoos convey a permanent impression of concepts such as love, and self-identity. In this sense the tattoo unmistakably embraces love and characterizes the positive feelings of self in a permanent way. The vow and personal tattoo, is a way of grounding to allow a concrete statement of love to themselves and others.

Females are generally more comfortable with close emotional relationships and do not find it necessary to display their affections to the world, instead choosing to privately place their permanent symbols, providing a more intimate stabilizing strength.