How do bodies change? Tattoos have historically been widespread across cultures and currently are common in the United States. Tattoos represent conscious identity work through body modification....

How do bodies change? Tattoos have historically been widespread across cultures and currently are common in the United States. Tattoos represent conscious identity work through body modification. Cosmetic surgery is increasing globally and across class, race, and gender. One emerging type of body modification occurs among transgendered individuals who feel their biological sex does not match their gender identity. Transgender surgery is historically rare but increasing because of technological innovations and increased insurance coverage. Bodies also change through accidents, disease, war, and birth defects. Twenty percent of Americans are considered disabled. This number has increased because of medical advances and increased life expectancy. The poor are more likely to be disabled than the rich, and Black individuals are more likely to be disabled than those from other groups.