The protestant ethic and the religious tattoo

This research illustrates how basic ideas from Weber's Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism are reflected in religious individuals’ choices in obtaining tattoos. Qualitative responses to survey questions show that, among 60 university students who indicated they have one, religious tattoos reflect asceticism in their lives, point them to service (calling) in the name of God, or provide a level of assurance (or anxiety) regarding life after death. We offer this work as an illustration of how the essence of Weber's work persists in the popular culture of the 21st century.

► In this paper, we offer a contemporary example of classic sociological thought found in Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
► We report elements of vocation, anxiety, and asceticism found in the acquisition and expression of the religious tattoo.