The Case For Uniforms In Schools
The Pros And Cons Of School Uniforms
First of all What Is A School Uniform ?
A School Uniform can be described as a standard dress set by an educational institution that all students enrolled in that particular institution are required to wear.It normally consists of a shirt (white or coloured) and shorts or trousers for boys and skirts with the option of trousers for girls (though trousers for girls are not so common) plus the school badge. Displayed on the side of the chest,
The school uniform must be in the colours set by the institution.
Some schools do allow Muslim girls to wear long pyjama like trousers to cover their legs for modesty and a hijab or head scarf in compliance with Islamic beliefs (MM and MV Shah Academy in Mombasa being among them )
Why Have Uniforms In Schools ?
Schools have uniforms to create a sense of uniformity and order in the school.This is very important as students come from different social backgrounds with some being financially more stable than their peers.By having school uniforms there is a sense of order created and students can focus on learning.
Uniforms give out the message:You are all equal members of this prestigious institution and are required to abide by its code of laws and ethics during your time here.
Other Advantages Of Having School Uniforms
School Uniforms reduce peer related pressure to purchase brand clothing or wear certain fashion styles which can impose financial burdens on parents.Furthermore such fashionable clothing may not be morally suitable for educational institutions
Students wearing uniforms take less time to get ready for school in the mornings as there is no choosing of dresses or shirts and skirts and pants.They know what they have to wear in advance,This freed up time can be used for healthy productive activities like eating a healthy breakfast properly
With school uniforms it is very easy to identify intruders who may want to gain access to the institution for unlawful means or even to cause chaos,This is especially important in our current unsafe volatile times.
With the exercise of due care school uniforms of older siblings can be passed on down to the younger siblings.This is an important factor for low income families
By students not having to compare their clothing and fashion with their peers, stress-related problems on students are reduced and school attendance and focus on their studies improves
School uniforms because they lead to equality among students reduces chances of school criminal gangs forming by not so wealthy students targeting rich students.Who they perceive are showing off and the desire to gain access to the expensive items of the rich students
The Case For Not Having Uniforms
So What Are The Reasons Put Forward For Not Having School Uniforms ?
One reason put forward is that students lose the ability to express their individuality through fashion,The argument claims school uniforms teach children to think like a group instead of as individuals,But if that were the case why do police and the military have uniforms ? Just because a policeman/woman or military personnel is in uniform they have lost their ability to express their individuality? To me this argument does not hold water.Others may disagree
Another argument is that uniforms by design limit diversity within the learning environment .The argument states " If Diversity Is Established Whithin The Classroom Students Can Learn How To Interact With Other Groups And Then Innovate Ways To Establish Future Policies That Can Relate To Real Equality" Again we take the example of our disciplined forces and the police.When recruiting they state that they are an an equal employment employer regardless of race , creed or colour.Don`t the police and armed forces wear uniforms ? So if diversity can be established in the police and armed forces who wear uniforms why not schools ?
Yet Another Argument says uniforms can be more expensive than traditional clothing.But that depends on the type of school.High cost private schools tend to have more costly uniforms than low cost or government schools.But then again students in high cost private schools can afford the costly uniforms.
But at least uniforms lessen fashion show offs.Whithout uniforms students will become fashionistas and put financial burdens on parents to purchase the latest fashion clothing.
The Debate On Whether Or Not To Have Uniforms in School Will Go On
What Do You The Reader Think ? Let Me Know In Your Comments
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