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A class act? Social background and body modifications in Australia
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 15:35 authored by Bruce TranterBruce Tranter, Ruby GrantRuby GrantAre we witnessing the democratisation of body modification in Australia? The prevalence and social background of body modifications is examined using national and state-level survey data from Australia. We find body modifications to be more prevalent among younger, less educated, working-class, non-conservative Australians. Women are far more likely than men are to have body piercings, although in Queensland, young women are more likely than young men to be tattooed. Important life events such as pregnancy, separating from a long-term partner or experiencing violence are also associated with body modifications. While body modifications may be on the rise, social factors still influence the uptake of body modification practices in Australia, suggesting these are socially circumscribed taste-based practices, and should not yet be described as normative.
History
Publication title
Journal of SociologyVolume
54Pagination
412-428ISSN
1440-7833Department/School
School of Social SciencesPublisher
SagePlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
© The Author(s) 2018Repository Status
- Restricted