Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Sociology
Date of Award
8-2015
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Joseph Baker
Committee Members
Martha Copp, Kelly Foster
Abstract
Body modification is a global phenomenon. In the southeastern United States, two forms of modifications present themselves most often: piercings and tattoos. Much of the research conducted on body modifications looks at deviance as a primary concern, focusing less on what the individuals are like. This study examines the personal accounts of people with body modifications and add to the existing information about body-modified people. Interviews were conducted with fifteen participants across several months in different parts of two east Tennessee cities. Questions were open-ended and all responses were transcribed. Participants discussed a variety of topics, including pain, belongingness, and body image. This research offers suggestions for future research in focused areas of body modification.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Ison, Joshua A., "Poking, Prodding, and Piercing: Becoming a Successful Body Modifier" (2015). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2551. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2551
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Inequality and Stratification Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons