Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Publication Title
The American Sociologist
Abstract
This case study contributes toward the literature on the sociology of expertise by documenting the diffusion of sociological knowledge to audiences outside of the profession. Data were collected from the author’s own career as a tattoo expert, including mass media experiences and representation, work with legal teams and development of legal opinions, and testimony. This study examines the process of this career, and the lessons learned that can help professional sociologists develop their reputation as experts in the public and for other audiences. The findings from this research question the value of sociological knowledge for other audiences. This research concludes with suggestions of how to successfully compete in the marketplace for expertise and to increase the status for professional sociologists.
Funding Source
This article was published Open Access thanks to a transformative agreement between Milner Library and Springer Nature.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
DOI
10.1007/s12108-026-09700-x
Recommended Citation
Lane, D. (2026). My Gig as a Tattoo Expert, and What It’s Taught Me about the Sociology of Expertise. The American Sociologist. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-026-09700-x
Comments
First published in The American Sociologist (2026): https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-026-09700-x