School uniforms and dress codes take place in many schools all around the country and the prevalence of uniform policies continue to rise. There are many arguments for and against school uniforms and the impact they have on a student’s learning outcomes and classroom presence.
Many educators and parents believe that school uniforms instill discipline and prepare students to be attentive when they come to school. Similarly to having a uniform at work, school uniforms are designed to make students look more put together and make them come to school ready to learn. Furthermore, the uniform is designed to show a commitment to academic achievement and add professionalism to the classroom.
In addition, many school administrators and parents favor uniforms due to the visual uniformity it creates within schools. The peer pressure of wearing stylish clothes to school is removed with the introduction of uniforms and allows for students to focus more on their studies rather than what they are wearing. Furthermore, many educators believe that the pressure to “fit in” is significantly minimized by school uniforms, seeing as everyone is dressed the same no matter their background or socioeconomic status.
Furthermore, many students and parents love having a uniform due to the simplicity of getting dressed in the morning for school. With a school uniform, students don’t have to overthink what they are wearing to school, adding a sense of facility to a stressful school day.
However, many people against school uniforms argue that monitoring what kids wear hinders a child’s right to self-expression and individuality. Many people argue that mandatory uniform policies violate a student’s freedom of expression. Some parents worry that by dictating what a child can and cannot wear during the school day denies them to fully develop their own personality and individualism.
Furthermore, opponents argue that uniforms limit student learning when they are uncomfortable. Some argue that when the students are uncomfortable in their clothing they are distracted from their learning and unable to pay as close attention.
In addition, many parents do not care for school uniforms and dress codes due to the additional cost they present. Not only can school uniforms be pricey, but there is also the need to purchase clothes for the child to wear casually outside of school, which therefore can become more expensive for the parents.
SOURCE: Earth911
On another note, many critics of school uniforms and dress codes argue that these dictations of what students can and cannot wear are rooted in sexism and perpetuate the sexualization of adolescent bodies. Some opponents believe that uniforms and school dress codes are designed to limit “distraction” for male students and police modesty.
Overall, there is no clear answer to whether or not it is better to have a school uniform or dress code. The debate over whether or not school uniforms help or hinder students continues to be controversial within the realm of education, however it really comes down to parent, educator, and student preference. Do you think schools should have uniforms and dress codes? Let us know in the comments below!