The Significance of School Uniforms

Introduction

The first recorded application of school uniforms can be traced back to England in 1922, where provisions were made for students to wear a robe-like outfit. It was, however, until the 16th century that the modern school uniforms took center stage. Over the centuries, several institutions have come up with their type of uniform and governments too, especially in high-poverty areas in the world have made provisions that all students in registered schools should adorn school uniforms. Developed countries such as the United States though are yet to embrace this act entirely. Throughout the centuries, people have questioned this phenomenon; others fail to understand its significance others though just make unsubstantiated claims without any basis. It is for this reason that this paper will delve into this issue outlining in finer details to explain this phenomenon.

Statistics on Uptake of School Uniforms

According to statistics released by the National Center for Education in 2014, there has been an increase in the uptake of school uniforms by institutions from 13% in the period 2003-2004 to 19% in the latest survey of 2011-2012 school years (V opat Mark, 206). This slow increase in the number of institutions adopting this has been due to some issues raised by anti-school uniform crusaders. Key among the issues of concern that they have raised includes: school uniforms infringe upon the rights of students to freely express their individuality, which uniforms have no direct positive effect or influence on behavior and academic achievement.That it is the same uniforms emphasizing on the socio-economic disparities, they intend to disguise(V opat Mark, 210).

Criticism of School Uniforms

Contrary to this school of thought, though people are entitled to their opinions and freedom of expression as enshrined in the first amendment of the constitution, the importance of school uniforms cannot be downplayed. Several critics have raised questions on why people would be “forced” to put on something without their prior consent(Wilken, Ilani & Van Aardt, 160). This debate formed a subject of discussion in a court case in 1969 where the Supreme Informative Essay Court ruled that schools should not infringe upon the students' freedom of expression as long as this choice was not disruptive and violate the right of others.

Benefits of School Uniforms

However, this said and done school uniforms play a significant role in the development of individuals. One, it makes the school environment safer for students. In a scenario where people have a consistent dress code, it’s usually difficult for intruders with ill motives to have an easy chance of penetrating the system because of the ease of identification of legitimate students. Two, uniforms give a level playing field for all students not bringing into play the socio-economic disparities experienced back home(Wilken, Ilani & Van Aardt, 174). Once people have come to school, their main agenda becomes to learn and not be distracted by typical things such as the kind of wear one putting on. It would also help those students with esteem issues who would have been looked down upon by their well-off colleagues and thus creates an impression of equality, be it temporarily. Three, it also inculcates a sense of discipline early in life. When people are subjected to a set of rules early in life, not necessarily to infringe upon their rights but it can be a form of preparing them for the reality of the world which to operate in a system of laws which need to be adhered to(V opat Mark, 214).

Conclusion

The value of school uniforms cannot be underestimated. Though critics to this may not be of a similar opinion, its merits override the concerns being raised and it remains to be seen if its adoption will be embraced over time.

1. V opat, Mark "Mandatory School Uniforms And Freedom Of Expression". Ethics And Education, vol 5, no. 3, 2010, pp. 203-215. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1080/17449642.2010.519139.
2. Wilken, Ilani and Annette Van Aardt. "School Uniforms: Tradition, Benefit Or Predicament?". Education As Change, vol 16, no. 1, 2012, pp. 159-184. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1080/16823206.2012.692211.