School Uniforms: Striking a Balance in Debate - Essay Sample

Introduction

The debate on whether having a school uniform and dress code is rife with people taking two opposing views. On one side of the spectrum, there are proposers of the notion that school uniforms must be mandatory while the other side of the spectrum opposes the notion and therefore, posits that school uniform is not mandatory. It is therefore important to arrive at a middle ground which is favorable to both parties as will be explored in this Rogerian argumentative essay.

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With regards to whether school uniforms should be mandatory in the contemporary learning institutions, it is a good idea to support the motion. For one, having a standard and mandatory dress code in schools makes all students equal and, in this way, diminishes the victimization that students of different social classes and other significant distinctive features may be subject to (Anderson, 2002). When all the students in a learning institution wear the same uniform dressing or code, they become similar and thus, eliminates the stigma that underprivileged students may face since they are similar. Secondly, when students have a similar dress code, the focus moves from their dressing to the main goal which is learning. There will be significantly fewer side shows which could result from having a non-uniform dress code in learning institutions. Thirdly, when students have a uniform dress code, it makes it easier for the public to identify the defiant or stray students who may commit crimes out of the learning institutions. For instance, when a student in school uniform commits a crime, the public can easily identify the school that the student belongs to and therefore, action can be taken up swiftly. Thus, the aforementioned points support the notion of having a uniform dress code in institutions of learning.

While school uniforms have some advantages, it should not be mandatory to have a uniform dress code for students in institutions of learning. School uniforms requires the parent to spend more money on new pieces of clothing in every school year or when the student changes their school (Anderson, 2002). Thus, the added expenditure is uncalled for and it would not be there if the school code did not require a mandatory uniform policy for all students. Secondly, school uniforms should not be mandatory as it may contribute to students becoming rebellious when the administration requires that all students maintain a uniform dress code. Some students may develop their rebellious attitude when they feel that they are forced to do something that they do not agree with and thus, the enforcement of a mandatory uniform dress code in schools will bring out the rebellious side of most students. Thirdly, having a mandatory uniform code forces everyone to be similar and in this way, infringes on the students’ freedom of choice. Unlike having a diverse dress code, having a mandatory uniform dampens the students’ personality which would be expressed by their choice of clothing. However, having a mandatory uniform policy throws the freedom of choice and thus, infringing on it.

Thus, it is important to have a middle ground where the two sides of the argument can comfortably meet. In this regard, it would be important to enforce some days where the students will have to wear a mandatory uniform and some days where they will be free to choose their dressing code. Having a mix of days for the various dressing codes will be beneficial to both sides of the debate as it will satisfy the people who support a mandatory uniform policy when the school enforces some days for doing so. It will also satisfy the supporters of not having a mandatory uniform policy as students will be able to dress how they would like during some days of their schooling.

Reflection

With regards to the reflection of the of the use of the Rogerian argument, the technique is instrumental in coming to a middle ground where there are two opposing viewpoints or groups. The Rogerian model of argument helped me to better understand the topic under discussion as it forced me to consider both sides. The use of the model enabled me to explore the arguments of the two opposing sides and thus, I got to understand the overriding points of each group. It is a good practice to acknowledge both sides of the argument as it enhances my understanding of the pertinent points that are steering the argument.

With regards to the Rogerian approach in my future argumentative essays, I will always strive to use it. The model enhances one’s understanding of the various points that are relevant for strengthening the argument and in this way, allows one to make a robust argument. Additionally, the use of the Rogerian model informs one of the pertinent points to use to get the desired message across or arrive at a middle point which is essential in arguing out one’s points to achieve a goal in mind.

References

Anderson, W. (2002). School dress codes and uniform policies.