Body piercing and the exploration of spirituality, sexuality and fashion

Rollmann, Hans (2002) Body piercing and the exploration of spirituality, sexuality and fashion. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (30MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This thesis examines body piercing as a modern aesthetic phenomenon in St. John's, Newfoundland, and explores the manner in which body piercing is utilized by some piercees to help construct and reinforce an intimately personalized sense of self-identity. It focuses on the complex symbolic and aesthetic methods in which thirteen local pierces use body piercing in a variety of different ways to give voice to their sense of self- identity. It focuses particularly on the use of body piercing in the context of neopagan spirituality, sexuality and alternative forms of sexuality such as sadomasochism, as well as the creation of idealized, alternative universes. Furthermore it examines the antagonism perceived by some piercees between body piercing as an element of alternative, fringe culture and body piercings more recent commoditization by the mainstream fashion industry.

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