Mandatory Uniforms in School

“Mandatory Uniforms in School”
The topic of whether or not uniforms should be made mandatory has been under
discussion for a very long time now but still, it's in the grey. Some experts, officials or
administrators ought to make uniforms mandatory in school as they believe it
decreases socio-economic tension, advocates equality and alleviates racism. But,
the others oppose this school of thought by talking about individuality, character
building and dealing with diversity. This discord between two mindsets has resulted
in the ever going debate on whether or not uniforms should be made mandatory. In
the following essay, we will further look into it by taking into account two different
articles. In both of the articles, the authors present their point of view with all the pros
and cons to support their narrative.
The first article that we choose is “School Dress Codes and Uniform Policies” written
by Anderson and Wendell. This article was published in the journal "Policy Report;
n4 Fall 2002". It addresses the issue of what students should wear to the schools
and the questions that arise with students wearing a uniform to the schools.
Furthermore, the article takes into account the various debates, surveys and
amendments that have been taken up to counter the question. The writers also give
references to the counter-arguments given by the opponents of the narrative implied
by them. Some critics call a unified dress code a violation of freedom of expression
whilst others say that it questions the individuality of the students. To answer this
narrative the authors support their point of view by giving examples of various pros
that could be a result of a unified dress code. Uniforms help to diminish the exclusion
of students based on what they are wearing, increases self-esteem, decreases
discrimination based on clothing and put students on common grounds. Additionally,
it is cost-effective and it has been implied by the authors by giving various references
that it helps in enhancing the academic performance of the students. Further talking
about their narrative the authors also give reference to different dressing styles and
fashion could put some students under peer pressure which could eventually result
in deteriorating the home atmosphere of the students. On the other hand, to answer
the critics of uniforms in school the authors also support the idea of following a dress
code but, they emphasise making the proper legislature regarding that first. In the
end, they conclude that there is a lot of work to be done to make uniforms and dress
codes more up to date and in line with the community standards and that the data is
inconclusive to reach any permanent amendments.
Contrary to the first article, the second article we choose is "DRESSING DIVERSITY:
POLITICS OF DIFFERENCE AND THE CASE OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS", written by
Samantha Deane of Loyola University Chicago. In this article, the author depicts the
importance of not having uniforms in schools and she uses famous analogies
produced by experts such as Fares and Young. The idea that uniforms bring stability
to the school and help children grow is countered by the author as she explains the
democracy and importance of dealing with diversity in schools to help them be better
members of society. Going to school in their own choice of clothes portrays the
freedom of expression and it allows the students to deal with the community in its
original form. The students can experience a 'City Life' at school and can learn to
own up to the disparity present within it which could help them have a better idea of
practical life. Not making the uniforms mandatory also provides the students with
opportunities to maintain their individuality and express themselves as they are to
society. Moreover, this could also help the children remove the difference from their
minds at an early age and to mix with the society at an early age which could be
beneficial for their mental growth at an early age. In her writing, the author strongly
presents her case and although doesn't disapprove of having uniforms in schools;
she tries to open up a different perspective to the readers.
So, to address the debate on whether or not uniforms should be mandatory in
schools it is important to find a middle ground that could help keep the fundamentals
of both sides intact. One of the solutions to the issue could be the implementation of
the dress code and for that, it is really important to understand the difference
between the dress code and a uniform. The dress code means students can wear
the clothes of their choice to school but with some considerations and guidelines and
to do that it is very crucial to make the proper legislature regarding that so no
religious, racial, ethnic or community sentiments get hurt. While doing so it is also
important to keep in line with societal standards and cultural values so that students
get a proper learning environment without discrimination and get the opportunity to
face the world in its real form as well.

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“Mandatory Uniforms in School”

administrators ought to make uniforms mandatory in school as they believe it

decreases socio-economic tension, advocates equality and alleviates racism. But,

and cons to support their narrative.

references to the counter-arguments given by the opponents of the narrative implied

of students based on what they are wearing, increases self-esteem, decreases

discrimination based on clothing and put students on common grounds. Additionally,

inconclusive to reach any permanent amendments.

POLITICS OF DIFFERENCE AND THE CASE OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS", written by

opportunities to maintain their individuality and express themselves as they are to

she tries to open up a different perspective to the readers.

So, to address the debate on whether or not uniforms should be mandatory in

to do that it is very crucial to make the proper legislature regarding that so no

face the world in its real form as well.

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