The sociological implication of an school uniform
On the onset allow me to first stipulate that anything that would reduce the cost of a parent’s expenses in sending their children to school is always a welcomed policy; however, we must first differentiate the act of buying new uniforms from using old uniforms; and the benefits of wearing school uniforms in the first place. And, after a thorough reflection of both then we can revisit the policy of removing/suspending the use of school uniforms.
When no additional cost is implied in the use of school uniform, I believe that there is a substantial amount of benefit in the use of a school uniform. So, before we do, my first question is why not do some practical approaches first to which I know some mothers have long been doing so. Why buy if we can use our old school uniforms or alter custom-fit school uniforms from older siblings/relatives/friends not using their old uniforms? I remember during my high-school days, my mother would buy me a longer than usual pair of pants and would simply fold and sew it. When asked why not cut it to fit me, she would smile and say, “para kapag tumangkad ka next year, di na tayo bibili ng bago. Ilaladlad lang natin yang sobra sa bagong height mo at tatahiin ulit. Kaya dapat maingat tayo sa polo and pants mo para di tayo bili ng bili kada taon.” Allowance was made too in my waist area to which the use of my belt made perfect sense.
What am I implying? Having a school uniform doesn’t outrightly mean BUYING. A practical approach can still be utilized; and yet be advantaged from the use of a school uniform. This being said allow me to enumerate some practical benefits to this piece of clothing:
First, SCHOOL UNIFORMS REDUCES PEER PRESSURE – An article from the University of North Texas quoting Arminta Jacobson, Founder and Director of the Center for Parent Education, says that “all kids on the same playing field in terms of their appearance. I think it probably gives them a sense of belonging and a feeling of being socially accepted.” When all students are dressed similarly, rivalry between students over clothing picks and the teasing of those who are dressed in a less affluent manner (wealth-based fashion) or in a less stylish outfits can be eradicated. And, in our current age of “social media”, you can just imagine the potential for bullying such attire differentiation can bring. Moreover, parents will have to contend with the need to buy more stylish and expensive attires just to avoid the stigma of their children being bullied as unfashionable.
Secondly, SCHOOL UNIFORMS ALLOW STUDENTS TO CONCENTRATE ON THEIR STUDIES AND NOT THEIR CLOTHES – Have you noticed Steve Jobs and his trademark outfit? Well, wearing the same get-up every day is a hack for people who don’t want to worry choosing an outfit in the morning. They may even seem unimportant, but every choice we make drains our energy. Worst of all, it’s easy to use this knowledge to put off making important class related activities. That is why even Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton advocated school uniforms as a way to help students focus on learning: “Take that [clothing choices] off the table and put the focus on school, not on what you’re wearing”. Even the US National Association of Secondary School Principals stated that, “When all students are wearing the same outfit, they are less concerned about how they look and how they fit in with their peers; thus, they can concentrate on their schoolwork”.
Thirdly, SCHOOL UNIFORMS INCREASES STUDENT SAFETY – When you have students dressed identically, you make them safer. If someone were to come inside the campus, the intruder who isn’t a member of the school can be easily identified as not part of the school by their lack of uniform. Every school has a set of uniforms (color and style) that is unique to them and has its emblem or logo inscribed on the chest. This can be used to identify students as belonging to a given learning institution. Furthermore, in the event that a student gets lost on their way to or from school, whoever finds them can effortlessly reunite them with their loved ones by taking them back to their school, from where their family can be traced. Students who slip out during school hours from school can also be easily recognized by the local authorities. Let me likewise mention that “unauthorized School Fraternities” usually wear certain types of clothing or colors as a way of identifying themselves. School uniforms will prevent such groups from gaining the distinctiveness and attention they desire.
Fourthly, SCHOOL UNIFORMS ACTUALLY SAVE MORE MONEY – Remember the styling dilemma I mentioned in my first argument? Well that quandary entails more money. Remember that school uniforms are usually more affordable than designer or regular shorts/jeans. The most popular public school uniform pieces are khaki shorts/pants and white polo shirts, and I’ll bet they are way more affordable than regular or designer shorts/jeans. You can likewise find a sale where you can stock up on uniforms for less. Parents can save money by not buying costly “status symbol” fashions year after year. Uniforms are always in fashion and are usually sturdier because they are reinforced at stress points within the clothing. Also, many available uniforms include features (substantial hems, portable buttons, adjustable waists) in their clothing which enable school uniforms to be adapted as a student grows — this means even more savings.
Finally, WEARING UNIFORMS ENHANCES SCHOOL PRIDE – Wearing school uniforms boosts school pride and communal solidarity. School uniforms promote school spirit because they offer students with a sense of unity. This unity brings a bond that enables students to feel closer and more linked together. In a peer-reviewed study by John A. Huss, entitled: “The Role of School Uniforms in Creating an Academically Motivating Climate: Do Uniforms Influence Teacher Expectations,” (published in the Journal of Ethnographic and Qualitative Research) found that after uniforms were introduced, “Teachers perceived an increase in the level of respect, caring, and trust… throughout the school” and said “students are made to feel ‘important’ and as if they are a part of a team by wearing a uniform”. Being a part of something and a sense inclusion is known to bring about esteem and pride which is likely to resound throughout the school which benefits all students.
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