Ink, Empower, Inspire: The Intersection of Feminism and Tattoos

Tattoos have transcended their historical boundaries, becoming powerful symbols of self-expression and empowerment. In body art, the intersection of feminism and tattoos is a dynamic space where women reclaim agency over their bodies, challenge societal norms and celebrate the diverse narratives that make up the tapestry of femininity. 

Society has built a narrative of what a woman’s body should look like. Tattoos are the opposite of this narrative. A tattooed woman goes against the norm, defines her beauty and gets tattoos because they make her happy.

History of Tattoos and Women

The earliest recording of tattoos in Western culture was in 1706 by a Seneca warrior, but they’ve been around much longer than that. In the centuries after gaining popularity, tattoos were an accessory for wealthy socialites. In the 20th century, they were a symbol of masculinity, and many parlors refused to tattoo women unless they were married or accompanied by their spouses. This stance changed in the 1970s, when feminist movements led to an increase in women getting tattoos. 

In the 1990s, even more women got tattoos. This spike was due to cancer awareness, and many breast cancer survivors used tattoos to cover their mastectomy scars. This was one way of many that tattoos allowed women to reclaim their bodies. This also led to the evolution of society’s perception of women with tattoos.   

Feminist Perspectives on Tattoos

Feminism has transformed the once male-dominated tattoo industry. The number of women getting tattoos and those giving them has increased. In the 20th and 21st centuries, tattoos became a part of pop culture. At the same time, more men tended to get tattoos than women, and while society saw tattooed men as “cool,” women who had tattoos were usually labeled “dangerous.” 

Despite that perception, many women use feminist tattoos to reclaim their bodies from objectification and challenge beauty standards. 

Feminist Tattoo Meanings

Feminist tattoos have different meanings depending on the person wearing them.

Breaking Beauty Standards

Feminist tattoos challenge conventional beauty standards that have long dictated how women’s bodies should look. Inked women proudly showcase their tattoos, embracing their bodies’ diversity and understanding that beauty is not just seen in unmarked skin. Tattoos become a visual celebration of imperfections and individuality.

Ownership of Body and Choice

At the core of feminism lies the principle of bodily autonomy. Women’s choices regarding their bodies, including the decision to get tattoos, are fundamental expressions of independence and self-determination. Tattoos become a powerful assertion of ownership, a declaration that a woman’s body is her canvas, subject to her choices alone.

Symbolic Empowerment

Feminist tattoos often carry deep symbolism, reflecting personal beliefs, struggles and triumphs. Whether it’s symbols of strength, quotes that inspire or images that represent resilience, these tattoos become a daily reminder of the wearer’s journey and a source of power in navigating women’s challenges.

Reclaiming Narrative Through Ink

Women use tattoos as a form of narrative reclamation. Through ink, they tell their own stories, redefine their experiences and challenge societal narratives that have sought to define femininity. Tattoos become a medium for rewriting histories, providing a visual counterpoint to societal expectations and stereotypes.

Ink as a Form of Activism

Feminist tattoos can be a form of activism, conveying messages of equality, empowerment and resistance. Whether through symbols like the Venus symbol, empowering quotes or imagery that challenges patriarchal norms, these tattoos become wearable statements of feminist principles, sparking conversations and challenging the status quo.

Supportive Tattoo Communities

Women in the tattoo community often find solidarity and support, creating spaces that celebrate the diversity of feminine expression. Female tattoo artists, in particular, contribute to women’s empowerment by providing spaces where clients feel heard, respected and understood. These artists play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Celebrating Body Positivity

Feminist tattoos contribute to the body positivity movement by celebrating bodies of all shapes, sizes and ages. Tattoos become a form of self-love, encouraging women to embrace and celebrate the unique qualities that make them who they are. In doing so, they challenge narrow beauty ideals and promote a more inclusive definition of beauty.

Intersectionality in Tattooing

The intersection of feminism and tattoos recognizes the importance of intersectionality. Women from diverse backgrounds use tattoos to celebrate their unique identities, acknowledging that the feminist movement must be inclusive and representative of the experiences of all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.

In the synergy between feminism and tattoos, a powerful and empowering narrative unfolds. Tattoos become more than ink on the skin — they become statements of agency, resilience and celebration. As women reclaim the story of their bodies, tattoos serve as personal affirmations and collective expressions of feminine strength. In each ink stroke, feminism and tattoos intersect to create a dynamic space where women’s choices are celebrated, diverse stories are told and the inked canvas symbolizes empowerment and self-love.

Feminist Representation in Tattoos

Tattooing has morphed from aesthetics to a medium of expression for feminists. Feminist tattoos stand out because they embody empowerment, equality and the fight for women’s rights. They’re symbols of women’s beliefs, aspirations and experiences. 

Feminist tattoos can range from Medusa — a symbol of empowerment — to the Venus symbol, which represents femininity and the goddess of beauty. Some feminist tattoos are more literal interpretations of empowerment, with words like “girl power” or a raised fist in the design.

Challenges and Criticisms

A feminist perspective on tattoos can be largely Westernized. Plenty of cultures in ancient history feature women with tattoos, like Egyptian women representing societal status through tattoos or Inuit women getting facial tattoos after their first menstruation.

Today, though, society reads tattoos differently depending on who’s wearing them. Even though the perception of tattoos has changed over the decades, tattoos on women are still seen to create cultural noise since they’re outside the expected norm on femininity.

And while the tattoo industry has seen an increase in the number of female tattoo artists, these women can still face marginalization and discrimination. 

Ink and Empower With Help From ELECTRUM Tattoo Supply

The intersection of tattoos and feminism can be a progressive space where women can challenge societal norms, celebrate diversity and reclaim the agency of their bodies. Tattoos are also a form of activism and a celebration of body positivity. 

If you’re a female tattoo artist or you recently got a feminist tattoo, you’re challenging the norms in the tattoo community — which already goes against the grain. We’re driven by that same innovation and love of art you are. Keep fighting the norms, and let ELECTRUM Tattoo Supply support your work. Check out our tattoo supplies online, or buy them at an authorized distributor near you.