Paper on Why Mandatory School Uniforms Are Far Better than Free Choice

School uniforms are a set of clothing or clothes that students of particular school wear and are unique to said school. They can be a blouse, a shirt, trousers, or full attire (Yeung 22). Different schools have varying policies on school uniforms around the world; however, in the USA, most schools do not have uniforms. Most schools in the US allow their students to attend school in their choice of attire. This article shall inform and outline why the policy of mandatory school uniforms is far more preferable for both the school and students compared to casual clothing.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

School uniforms are a sign or emblem of belonging. The uniform shows that a particular individual belongs to a specific institution. Therefore, a school uniform is a source of pride for students and their school (Chen 3). When students wear similar parties, it exudes a particular sense of pride and unity among the students. Whether it is within the school premises or in other areas, a uniform fosters a sense of solidarity and unity to those wearing it (Yeung 36). Furthermore, the uniform ensures that students uphold the dignity associated with the school, behaving in any naughty way would bring shame and retribution to the student and the school.

Schools need to cultivate a conducive environment for learning. Uniforms bring about equality among the students. Rather than spend time concentrating on the different designer clothes and outfits that they can wear, they have more positive comprehension levels when in uniform (Kouzmine). Students' different social backgrounds mean that some students may have expensive casual attires, while others have more conservative outfits if uniforms are not enforced.

School uniforms also save on time and expenses. Uniforms are relatively cheap compared to brand clothing; moreover, uniforms do not change designs often and can be worn over several school terms. Parents can save on money since casual attire would require a significant amount of clothing since students are not inclined to wear the same outfits to school. Furthermore, uniforms save on time during school; mornings become less of a hassle in choosing outfits and apparel (Petrova 2). The uniform fosters neatness and proper dressing etiquette in students from a young age. The simplicity of uniforms ensures that parents save money by buying a few sets for a whole school term, and students maximize on time and concentrate on their studies.

Student safety is of paramount importance for every school. School uniforms contribute significantly to the safety of students. There is a risk of intruders entering the school premises with malicious intent to the students or school property. With school uniforms, identifying intruders is easy, and their entry into the school premises can be curtailed (Dussel 22). The case is different if students wear casual attire; the intruders could easily blend into the student population. The students with uniforms are easy to keep track of within and outside of the school premises giving it another layer of safety for students (Petrova 5). With the tragedies that have been witnessed in schools all across the country, safety is crucial for school-going children.

In addition, uniforms minimize the pervasiveness of gangs on school property, as students are only required to wear particular hues and even pieces. For example, a school can only require brown or orange polo shirts and khaki pants to deter pupils from donning the stereotypical gang representing red and blue colors. Garments such as headbands, another distinctive feature of gang apparel, can also be excluded from the dress code policy (Chen 8). The feuds and aggression between warring gangs decline when it is more difficult to identify members of gangs in school.

School uniforms also include game kits. Different schools often face off in sports competitions during particular events in the school calendar. Uniformed schools usually exhibit a more unified front during these competitions. The unity in wearing the same attires goes a long way in propagating the school spirit and may prove to be the deciding factor in some competitions (Elliot). School uniforms also hold a sentimental value to students after they graduate; they allow the former students to remember their cherished moments in their school life (Chen 9). Moreover, after school, these uniforms can be used for dress-up parties and other social events.

Conclusion

Some people may argue that school uniforms conform to students and hinder their expressiveness and creativity. However, school uniforms are only aids in the learning process, comparable to desks and stationery. Students' creativity and ability to express themselves should be cultivated in class and through schoolwork rather than their attires, which young pupils have minimum control over. Self-expression through clothing can also be enhanced during weekends and non-school days when students are not in school. School uniforms can also be customized to carter for different cultures such as Islam and Hinduism while maintaining the integrity of the outfit. Meanwhile, during school hours and within the school premises, uniforms are essential and maintain the institution's prerogative to create a conducive environment for learning and development.

Works Cited

Chen, Grace. Public School Uniforms: The Pros and Cons for Your Child. 2015, weisun.org/pid/assignments/argumentative_essay/examples/04_school_uniforms.pdf.

Dussel, Ines. “School Uniforms and the Disciplining of Appearances: Towards a Comparative History of the Regulation of Bodies in Early Modern France, Argentina, and the United States.” Elibrary.Ru, 2002, www.elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=5238340.

Elliott, Elise. “Thank God for School Uniforms.” Dailytelegraph.Com.Au, The Daily Telegraph, 3 Feb. 2016, www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/thank-god-for-school-uniforms/news-story/be9de51935ea445ace5d4e8968e63a23.

Kouzmine, Michelle. “Reasons Why Kids Should Wear Uniforms to School.” Verywell Family, 2020, www.verywellfamily.com/school-uniform-pros-2101089.

Petrova, Sasha. “Should School Uniforms Be Compulsory?” The Conversation, 15 Aug. 2019, theconversation.com/should-school-uniforms-be-compulsory-we-asked-five-experts-121935.

‌Yeung, Ryan. “Are School Uniforms a Good Fit?” Educational Policy, vol. 23, no. 6, Oct. 2009, pp. 847–74, doi:10.1177/0895904808330170.