Final answer:
The assertion that tattoos are universally associated with low-status members of society is false. Tattoos have served as expressions of identity, status, and community affiliation in various cultures and throughout history, and their meanings and associations have evolved tremendously over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that tattoos are universally associated with low-status members of society is false. Tattooing is a form of body art with a rich history spanning thousands of years and across various cultures. For the Polynesian tribes, such as the Maori, tattoos were a significant form of identity and cultural affiliation. In other societies, like among American sailors in the mid-20th century, tattoos served as a means to express personal interests and group affiliations.
In modern times, tattooing has transcended its traditional roles, serving myriad purposes including memorializing loved ones, expressing aesthetic tastes, and symbolizing personal histories and emotions. It has become a means for individuals to express membership in a larger community.
Historically, there have been instances where tattoos were used to mark members of a lower social class, for example, convicts or soldiers in certain societies. However, this is not a universal association, and the practice and perception of tattooing vary widely across the globe and among different cultures.