The symbolic meaning of the phenomenon of tattoos and piercing among Israeli youth
is assessed. Results show a multifaceted language of body adornments, the properties
of which might be specific to Israeli culture. While in family and peer group contexts
youth show significant conformity, body adornments within the context of institutions
displaying characteristics of totality indicate limited protest. Thus different symbolic
meanings are stressed depending on context, expressing an oscillation between
conformity and protest. |