[Tattooing and dyssocial behavior]

After a brief culturo-historical introduction into the subject of tattooing, the author makes a comparison between two groups of offenders with antisocial traits, of which only one group consists of tattooed individuals. 48 characteristics concerning family history, personal biography, social situation, drug consumption habits and clinical aspects are taken into consideration. In general view, it shows, that there are very few significant differences between the two groups except for the fact, that the tattooed individuals are less characterized by a positive family history for delinquency, broken home situations and lack of a steady partner. Moreover, there is a tendency for higher education and better professional accomplishments in this group. So the question remains, whether tattoos could also be considered under the aspect of subcultural status symbols.