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Customizing the Body (PDF file) - Print My Tattoo

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127 The <strong>Tattoo</strong> Relationship<br />

Positive social responses from friends and o<strong>the</strong>r members of <strong>the</strong><br />

novice tattooee's reference group also help decrease feelings of social<br />

risk, As described earlier. getting tattooed is a highly social<br />

experience for most first-time tattoo recipients. Most initiates enter<br />

<strong>the</strong> studio in <strong>the</strong> company of close associates who act as "purchase<br />

pals" (Bell. 1967). These companions help generally to<br />

reduce <strong>the</strong> risks involved by consulting with <strong>the</strong> tattooee about<br />

design and location. providing social support for <strong>the</strong> decision,<br />

commiserating during <strong>the</strong> painful application process. and by<br />

helping to fill waiting time. Purchase pals also aid <strong>the</strong> recipient by<br />

acting as surrogate social evaluators. They provide risk-reducing<br />

support by positively reacting to and <strong>the</strong>reby validating <strong>the</strong> tattoo<br />

consumer's decision (cf. Ben-Sira, 1976: 6).<br />

While a certain level of risk is characteristic of all service interactions.<br />

it is particularly intense in settings where marginal or<br />

deviant services (for example. illegal abortion. prostitution, tattOOing)<br />

are produced an

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