The idea of dress codes and school uniforms has been debated for decades. Dress codes, or sets of rules specifying the type of clothing to be worn under specific circumstances, have been called oppressive and blamed for stifling creativity. Interestingly, research shows that school uniforms may decrease school absenteeism! There are many arguments for it, and some countries, such as England primarily require uniforms in their schools (Northen). Even in England, there are a few naysayers when it comes to school uniforms, but it seems these individuals have not seen the benefits of uniforms. School uniforms should be a requirement in all schools because it reduces absenteeism due to bullying and helps students identify with their institution, which leads to realistic expectations following graduation.
Bullying is a primary reason that uniforms have been implemented in many education systems, and this leads to increased absenteeism. 160,000 students miss school every day due to fear of bullying, and dressing everyone the same levels the playing field (Spencer). It is difficult to determine who dresses in a trendy manner or who has more money if everyone is wearing the same thing. Uniforms do not represent the total picture in regard to causes for bullying, and one should not assume that it will be a total solution. However, it is one way to prevent kids from being afraid of coming to school prior to their arrival.
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Another reason to support school uniforms is that it helps students identify with an organization and prepare for the future. Schools should require uniforms to help students have pride in their school and be ready to dress appropriately as an adult. Ninety percent of secondary schools in England require uniforms, and they find it is good for discipline and school identity (Northen). The goal of the education system is to prepare children for their future, and uniforms give them the responsibilities and expectations that fit societal requirements as an adult. They will likely be subjected to many sorts of dress codes as adults, and this eliminates the reluctance to conform to societal standards.
Still, those who argue against school uniforms have conflicting information, such as the claim that it does not stop bullying. Uniforms don’t address the true causes of bullying, such as lack of empathy and an inability to see humanity and dignity (McLaughlin). Bullies will find something else to target. To implement school uniforms does not have the effect desired, so there is no reason to waste time enforcing it (Jacobs).
Opponents of school uniforms also argue that dress codes are not needed to secure successful futures. Many people in the science and tech industry perform better in relaxed clothing (Ebersole). Some of the best schools, such as one in Finland, does not require uniforms (Jacobs). In some circumstances, students perform better without uniforms, so it is counterintuitive to require them. In fact, some of the institutions claiming high academic achievement due to uniforms are still underperforming. As said previously, hard facts are limited, as each side tries to influence how the facts are presented in their favor.
Al l schools should have uniforms in order to decrease absenteeism due to fear of bullying and in order to give them a school identity that prepares them for the future. The number of students missing school out of fear because of the way they are dressed is too high. Students will only benefit from an increased school identity that will prepare them for the future. Those who argue against it say it doesn’t stop bullying and isn’t necessary to enhance students’ futures. While the hard facts about the benefits are limited, it is clear that clothing choice represents an obstacle in the education system that can be eliminated by dress codes and school uniforms.
- Basu, Tanya. “How the Clothes you wear help you Focus.” The Cut, 10 Mar 2016, https://www.thecut.com/2016/03/the-clothes-you-wear-matter-more-than-you-think.html. Accessed 15 Dec 2017.
- Ebersole, Glenn. “Dress for success: The importance of your workplace attire.” Business Weekly, 03 Mar 2015, http://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/article/dress-for-success-the-importance-of-your-workplace-attire. Accessed 15 Dec 2017.
- Jacobs, Emma. “Wearing a school uniform doesn’t help us learn.” The Guardian, 07 Nov 2014, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/07/wearing-school-uniform-doesnt-help-us-learn. Accessed 15 Dec 2017.
- McLaughlin, Danielle. “Dress Codes Disguise The Real Bullying Problems.” Huffpost, 03 July 2013, http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/danielle-s-mclaughlin/dressing-up-the-bullies_b_3149324.html. Accessed 15 Dec 2017.
- Northen, Stephanie. “School uniform does not improve results – discuss.” The Guardian, 18 Jan 2011, https://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/jan/18/school-uniform-results. Accessed 15 Dec 2017.
- Spencer, Chloe. “What’s the point of school uniform?” The Guardian, 03 Oct 2013, https://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/oct/03/why-wear-school-uniform. Accessed 15 Dec 2017.
