Peter Orszag points out the connection between the large amount of US households with members who have tattoos with their ability to gain employment. According to Orszag's article in Bloomberg View, having a tattoo decreased the probability of being hired from 88% to 70%. Orszag suggests the rise of tattoos reflects a trend of anti-establishmentarianism and a sign of rebellion against the out-of-touch-elite...

1. WHAT TATTOOS
TELL US ABOUT
THE US ECONOMY
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON BLOOMBERG VIEW
PETER ORSZAG

2. At the end of 2014, 40% of households
included someone who had body art in
the form of a tattoo.

3. At the end of 2014, 40% of households
included someone who had body art in
the form of a tattoo.
Compared to 21% in 1999…

4. What did this say about the American economy?
Let’s check out some key tattoo stats that
pinpointed the correlation between body art and
economic standing.

5. 50% of people with only high
school diplomas or less had a
household member with a tattoo.

6. 50% of people with only high
school diplomas or less had a
household member with a tattoo.
compared to 22% of people who
pursued a graduate level degree.

7. Another study from the Journal of
the American Academy of
Dermatology found that 40% of
people without high school
diplomas had tattoos.

8. Another study from the Journal of
the American Academy of
Dermatology found that 40% of
people without high school
diplomas had tattoos.
Compared to 14% of people with a
college or graduate degree who
had a tattoo.

9. From the 2004 study, Additional tattoo factors noted were:

10. From the 2004 study, Additional tattoo factors noted were:
Age

11. From the 2004 study, Additional tattoo factors noted were:
Age
Gender

12. From the 2004 study, Additional tattoo factors noted were:
Age
Gender
Whether the person spent at least 3 days in jail

13. From the 2004 study, Additional tattoo factors noted were:
Age
Gender
Whether the person spent at least 3 days in jail
Whether the person had military experience

14. From the 2004 study, Additional tattoo factors noted were:
Age
Gender
Whether the person spent at least 3 days in jail
Whether the person had military experience
Whether the person has a past of recreational drug use

15. In summary, the study showed people who
were less educated and took part in riskier
behaviors were more likely to have tattoos.

16. In summary, the study showed people who
were less educated and took part in riskier
behaviors were more likely to have tattoos.
Does having a tattoo affect someone’s
behavior and life overall?

17. In summary, the study showed people who
were less educated and took part in riskier
behaviors were more likely to have tattoos.
Does having a tattoo affect someone’s
behavior and life overall?
Not necessarily.

18. Researchers found, lower earnings for
tattoo owners was not directly related
to the body art. Those with tattoos
earned less regardless of if they had a
tattoo or not.

19. Researchers found, lower earnings for
tattoo owners was not directly related
to the body art. Those with tattoos
earned less regardless of if they had a
tattoo or not.
But...

20. Researchers found, lower earnings for
tattoo owners was not directly related
to the body art. Those with tattoos
earned less regardless of if they had a
tattoo or not.
But...
Another study found that someone
with a tattoo could have a more
difficult time securing a job over
someone without a tattoo.

21. According to a survey done by researchers at Coastal
Carolina University, having a tattoo decreased the probability
of being hired from 88% to 70%.

22. What does the rise of tattoos suggest?

23. What does the rise of tattoos suggest?
Here is my guess.

24. The rise of tattoos reflects a broader
trend of anti-establishmentarianism.
Having a tattoo is a permanent symbol
of rebellion, signaling that you don’t
buy into the norms established by an
out-of-touch elite.

25. Expect tattoos to become even more popular, as long as
most Americans' sense of opportunity and upward
mobility remains limited.