This has been an interesting discussion I have been having with pupils and parents of the various schools I have been to over the last few years. what is the purpose of a school uniform? Is it a reflection of some kind of elitism? Is uniform a precursor of the uniform you have to wear when you go into business? If so what then of those industries which are not “suited and booted”?
There are so many arguments over this and I love each and every single of one them so lets look at a few of them here.
1. School uniform removes discrimination.
This argument contends that if all pupils are wearing the same then there is no distinction between class or differences in background. One the one hand this is true in that as everyone wears the same there is an equality. No one has the upper hand on another pupil as you all are “rocking the same garms”.
However if we dig deeper this is not true as it seems. For example the way you tie the knot, wear the shirt/blouse, even the shoes you wear with the uniform distinguishes one group from another (well so they tell me anyway). There is also the point about those parents that are just about able to afford the combination in the first place of blazer, trouser, tie, badge and shirt/blouse, whether second hand or at greatly inflated prices.
2. School Uniform represents school pride.
I like this one, mainly because of the arguments it kicks off. It is a true maxim that if you are representing your school in sports that you wear a uniform that represents your team colours so the same should be for representing your school as an academic. Not to mention looking smart in those school photos.
On the flip side some uniforms are absolutely dreadful. The colour combinations look like vomit or the result of some very angry artist/designer! There is no pride in wearing a uniform that makes you cringe, and lets be honest those Latin crests!!!! I can’t even remember what mine meant, then or now!!
3. Schools with uniforms are more successful
Hehehehe this is such an argument by parents and students.
In the UK the most successful schools tend to be either independent or faith based state schools. Within those schools reputation and success both academically and in sports is paramount. The entry requirements alone preserve that air of success and their is NO WAY they would even tolerate people not wearing the uniform. Even when they are in sixth form.
I think this argument is quite weak in that their is no research or evidence to suggest that uniform plays any role in academic success. Do university grads wear uniform? Err…no. What about non uniformed schools around the world who are also successful? However there could be an argument that the pride in the uniform promoted by these successful schools could be part and parcel of the contribution to increased confidence and success for many of its students.
4. School Uniforms promote discipline.
Again this depends on what school you are going to because believe you me……
In London especially some kids will be picked on or bullied by other schools because of their uniform, and that whole deterrent thing about kids getting into trouble and identified outside of school when in uniform is moot. Too many kids don’t care about that.
For others though I can understand how wearing your clothes well and presenting yourself well does promote a sense of discipline.
Anyway they are but a few arguments that I hear all the time and I am sure the argument will rage for time to come. For my kids they will be wearing uniforms till they finish school, because a) there will be no argument in the morning of what they should wear b) I am their Dad and if I say they are wearing it there is no argument. And what?!
(Found this while writing this article.)
So what say you?
School uniforms are expensive because they are designed specifically for that school.
School uniforms have no use outside of school.
School uniforms cut down on a students’ individuality. Uniforms are not the way to cut down on school violence. An option to prevent violence is parents should pay attention to their children, not let them run wild, keep their children out of trouble, and give them consequences when they disobey.
School is also the place where the next actors, musicians, writers, artists, designers, inventors, and politicians are trained. School uniforms send a clear, early-life message to students that conformity is important and creativity is not, that authority is allowed to abuse its’ power and constrain our constitutional right of free speech and expression. Students learn from uniforms that their individuality, political opinions, and religious rights are unimportant, as is their education. Students are regularly suspended for non compliance to the uniform, even if their school work is excellent. If uniform-requiring schools were actually in ‘the business of learning’ this would not occur.
A reason not to have uniforms is for the safety of students. An Example would be during a natural disaster such as an earthquake, tornado, etc… How would a Parent I.D. their child? By the clothes they were wearing when they left home. What if a senior decides to attack a lower classmen? How would the victim describe the attacker?
Hey Darryn
Not sure I buy the argument about uniforms stifling creativity and that it suppresses individuality or opinions. I don’t see how they are related.
On what evidence do you state that students are regularly suspended for non compliance to uniforms?
As for the safety issue..huh????
Sadly the only convincing argument I know of for school uniforms is that the local traders can identify which schools the trouble makers are coming from – it just strikes me as amazing that they will cause trouble whilst advertising where they come from. But I have to say that it does bring one less element to be picked on for. I went to a comprehensive school where there was no requirement to where a uniform and it really did single out the poorer kids for a bit of bad treatment. I know kids will always find ways to group together, exclude others and pick on each other but the uniform will keep fashion out of it – and in such a fashion critical society (even my son wont go to two parties wearing the same outfit) it doesn’t really seem to work out any dearer buying the uniform!
i think we should be given the right to choose wether we wnat to wear uniform or not, i think we should have uniform, but we should be given the right to decide that we dont want to wear uniform. or iot atleast the choice not to wear uniform atleast twice a week. and not when the teacers say , but when we say.
i know i sound like a polititian, but that is not my intention, im just speaking aloud what everyone wants but have not discovered that this is what they want.
i think everyone will find that this is the very plan that i think noboy should have a problem with