Citra Diri dan Tato: Fenomena Perempuan Bertato di Kota Metropolitan Jakarta

Abstract

This study is intended to determine the relationship between self-image and tattooed women living in the metropolitan city of Jakarta. The purpose of this study is to examine women's self-image through symbolic communication on tattoos among women in the Jakarta metropolitan city, the meaning of symbolic communication, and the self-image built by tattooed women in the Jakarta metropolitan city. The theories used in this research are George Herbert Mead's symbolic interaction theory and self-image theory. The research method used is a qualitative approach with a phenomenological perspective. The informants interviewed were ten tattooed women using the snowball sampling technique. This study succeeded in revealing several factors influencing women's motives for tattooing, namely tattoos as works of art, media for self-expression, expression of depression, history, spirituality, and sheer pleasure. The conclusion of this study is that tattooed women believe that tattoos can form a positive self-image because, with tattoos, they can increase self-confidence and get to know themselves better. These tattooed women do not want a negative view of their tattoos because not all tattooed women are criminals or have deviant behavior. The implication of this research is that tattooed women do not need to hear negative views from lay people and can build a good self-image for themselves so that tattoos are not underestimated.