Advantages and Disadvantages of Mandatory School Uniform

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of uniform on student’s behavior at university level. That uniform has positive impact in improving student’s behavioral problems, improving university climate and motivates learning of students.

Many school teachers share the opinion that, by wearing a school uniform, students gain skills in presentation which ultimately lead to developed discipline in the classroom. Uniforms can also increases attendance rates, and prevent students from forming gangs and groups that might end in further bad behaviour (Stephanie 2016).

Reaching whole inclusivity in schools is approximately every school leader hopes to attain, and one of the simplest ways to do this, according to some educational experts, is to adopt a school uniform. School wear generates a tangible sense of identity and belonging among students, and subsequently helps to create a safe environment both in and out of the classroom (Stephanie 2016).

Education is not the only aspect in play when debating the positive effects school uniforms can have on pupils. Although the excellence of a student’s education is very important, their security is more so. After gang conflicts in Long Beach, California that school representatives began to identify the importance school uniforms could have. The only way officers could identify students as the children who needed assistance if future instances were to occur were through uniforms.

Ones institutes’ uniform style is always slightly different from one another. But the main purposes for such uniform variation are to keep students from dressing improperly and provide a standard for every student to meet.

Growing up in a stylish world can put an unbelievable amount of stress on young boys and girls of the 21st century. Having dresses that are considered “in” is not the easiest thing in the world, particularly during hard financial times. Young children tend to associate with children most like themselves, and lower class students are vulnerable to being left out of groups of friends and intimidation in schools. The clothes children wear, however, can misrepresent the person they truly are behind the stylish jeans and brand-name jersey. Struggle for popular clothing items among classmates and the differences between aristocracy and proletariat students by the clothes they wear are diminished with the implementation of uniforms in the institutes.

Uniforms promote single standard of dress. Therefore, university environments become less competitive and more focused on learning. Similarly, research has shown there is a link between a student's appearance and teacher's expectations, High expectations means high achievements (Asma, 2018).

Helping to build a sense of community within the university, uniform create an atmosphere of belonging. This essence of unity can positively affect a child's attitude toward university and can lead to better learning and improve attendance (Asma, 2018).

University uniforms promote a safe, healthy learning environment. Education professional agree that a safe environment is essential for learning to take place. The safer the environment, the more likely children will attend. Uniforms make it easier for university officials to identify non-students while promoting a safe and comfortable atmosphere (Asma, 2018). Uniforms are less expensive than other types of clothing. A student can easily be outfitted with easy-car, long-lasting (Asma, 2018)

Wearing uniform improves student actions both inside and outside university. A study suggests having a uniform help to reduce intimidation in university makes students better behaved outside the university gates and even helps concentration in class researchers said. Students at university without uniform codes were likely to be bullied. For the way they dressed the study found. Youngsters who took part in the oxford brooks university survey said dress codes acted as asocial level and reduced the risk of student being picked on for wearing 'peculiar clothes. Teenager also confessed they were less probable to misbehave outside the premises because of their university (Laura 2007).

Students were more aware of their behavior in public and conscious that “old ladies will ring up and report it if you have dropped and apple core in the street. Others noticed that safety guards were more likely to follow student around shops if they were wearing their professor Margaret Harris who led the study said uniform after directly contributed to a feeling of university conceit which they did not want to compromise by misbehaving outside the university gate (Laura 2007).

The government has also said university should scrap special deals with uniform suppliers and ensure clothing is widely available on the high street or at shops. Adolescents particularly appreciate uniforms because it prevented them from male classmates and teacher seeing their dress in suitable and removed a potential source of pestering. Uniform were also claimed to improve behavior in class themselves. Students reported being more attentive on their work because Uniform reduces distraction related with personal appearance. (Laura 2007).

Attillah (2016) in his comparative study found that impact of uniform on school climate was much higher than the school without uniform. Teachers believe that school is safe place and they can easily go to school for a work (Attillah 2016). Teachers were able to deter the bullying act and it reduces fights in institutes (Attillah 2016). The students learning environments get improved and thus their ability of high achievements was increases (Attillah 2016). Atiilah(2016) studies on impact of uniforms that it had a positive on school climate.

Most of the student agreed that uniform has positive impact on relationships of students and teachers. Atillah(2016) studies showed that student had confidence in teachers and the teachers esteem the students. Uniform create a positive attitude about institutes towards teachers and students.

Synott and Symes(1995) state that “the uniform governs and regulates both the outward and inward disposition of the pupil.” Urban public schools have in recent times executed school uniform polices to counter-balance ganged linked actions and rappers uniform (Dussel, 2005). The indication that how one uniform affects how one acts and implements is not a new concept. Schools in the 1950’s and 1960’s had movements to try and control young criminal behavior and mottos such as dress right were heard all over schools (Anderson, 2002).

In the 1980’s, many school administrators took another look at their uniform and careful executing uniform polices in a reaction to the growing amount of crew actions in their institute. The deterring codes were put in place for the resolution of protecting the students from crew activity and to produce a harmless school atmosphere (Bobbi, 2007).

The implementation of school uniforms also affects school climate (Bobbi, 2007). A positive school environment lessens failure and promotes adolescence progress, academic accomplishment, information, abilities and outlook are necessary for students to be liable and creative members of society (Cohen. et. Al 2009). The impact of school violence is complex (Bobbi, 2007). Researchers have showed that some pupils who are sufferers of school violence leave school sometimes, because they do not feel safe (Johnson, Burk and Gielen, 2011). Teachers left the school because of Fury in the community that impacted the environmentof the school (Algozzine and McGree, 2011).

Konheim-Kalkstein (2006) stated that information verifies school uniforms may actually improves a school’s atmosphere by decreasing competition, improving student self-confidence and improving academic accomplishment. School uniform exclude a source of disruption and variances among pupils, decreasing fights, bullying and criminality (Dress for Success, 2005).

King (1998) stated that school own believes that students and teachers tend to behave the way they are allowed to clothing. Lumsden and miller (2002) said that uniforms are useful because they reduce the social pressures. Huss (2007) stated that “The kids wearing uniforms are less cocky towards adults. The kids wearing uniform are generally better behaved and have fewer attitudes”.

The execution of school uniforms helps to increase student self-worth and eventually to improve academic achievement (Brunsma, 2006). When students are less abstracted by uniform and behavior matters, they tend to emphasis more and do well in school. Students who go to school ready to learn are motivated to become prosperous leaders and add to progressive social change (Bobbi 2007).

Cambel (2006) reported that educationalists provide the faculty and students practical skills that increase awareness of uniform that psychosomatic security for protection of the entire school body. An actual uniform policy must take all investors' concerns into account if university system supervisors wish to limit disputes, especially legal arguments. In an article for the university Law Bulletin, Russo (2006) provided policy for dress code that were planned to help university system lessen arguments over what students are not permitted to wear. Russo, (2006) defined six points to consider when evolving a uniform policy in order to set 'an suitable balance between a duty to control student dress code and the rights of young people to express themselves' (Russo, 2006). Russo (2006) also suggested points for policies to limit disputes over dress code matters, which involved getting input from parents at the establishment of the process, developing a brief policy, including a variety of penalty for criminals, including rewards for obedience, and keeping policies current by reviewing them once a year (Russo,2006 )

Russo (2006) involved the parents and getting their support as critical to the success of the program. Without parental support for the policy, a great agreement of time and money can be spent in the ensuring debate over the policy. Because of the demands of university is increasing looking for ways to improve attendance, academic achievement, and discipline recommendation rates. For such reasons, University uniform importance is a topic of interest in university system around the country. As discussed previously, follower of university uniform vender the uniform policy's ability to develop the university and raise positive student’s consequences, while adversaries of uniforms claim that these benefits are fictional.

Major research findings begins with the landmark research of Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998), followed by an opposite point of view expressed by Bodine (2003). This debate is followed by a review of published literature regarding the possible efficiency of university uniforms in the important student's consequences of attendance, academic accomplishment, and self-control referral rates. Thus section ends with a summary of what is known and what is unclear concerning the efficiency of university uniforms, leading to the policy engaged in the present study.

Bodine (2003) said that Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998) make a mistake by simplifying the data from the single university sector when they declared that uniforms had a negative effect on student achievement when their result statistically confirmed a positive correlation between test score and uniform use: Bodine (2003) accused Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998) of having 'clouded thinking about university clothing by introducing an unfounded claim that student uniforms results in lower achievement '(Bodine, 2003). “In a reassessment of author of structure of argument, I discovered that the claim resulted from deceptive use of region analysis” (Bodine, 2003). Bodine (2003) also noted Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998) did not mention the positive correlation fount in the public sector of university in their study.

Bodine (2003) also noted Brunsma and Rockquemore (1998) focused too much on negative academic achievement within the Catholic university in the study without focusing at all on the positive academic achievement at the other university in the sample.

The Manual on School uniform (USDOJ, 1996) cited examples of school uniform polices from eight School systems in the United States to aid as perfect school uniform polices. “States and local school districts must decide how they will ensure a safe and discipline learning environment” (USDOJ, 1996. P.3). The Manual on School Uniforms listed examples of school districts which had approved school uniform polices as part of their plan to guarantee a safe and self-restraint environment, with the allegation that the uniform policy would aid move the school in the direction of a more safe and disciplined learning atmosphere. Results reflected a positive relationship between uniform and some aspects of school environment, criminality rates, student actions and attitude (Russell, E. 2012).

Advantages of uniform

Supporters of school uniforms claim there are many benefits to establishing also a mandatory or non-mandatory/voluntary school uniform policy. This information will give a brief overview about why school uniform policy should be applied. Such benefits include, but are not limited to:

Reducing violence

Race over appearance has placed a large importance on fashionable clothes and classy jewelry. This has resulted in an increase of violence, along with theft in the schools. Certain types of dresses and accessories have come to differentiate between the 'haves' and the 'have nots', and many times, students find themselves in life aggressive situations because of it.

By introducing a school uniform policy, a feeling of 'unity' can be stimulated by removing the messages of social and financial status carried by dresses, rather than the separation that occurs without uniforms. 'Uniforms would help discourage violence in the schools because students would no longer have to contest over that looks enhanced or want to cause impairment in an attempt to take another student's trendy clothes.' ('Will School Uniforms Help Curb Violence?', 1996, p.12) 'The uniform's positive benefits will lessen negative situations that could lead to school violence.' ('Will School Uniforms Help Curb Violence?', 1996, p.15)

Limitation of gang impacts

Mobs have become a growing fear in our universities. These groups generally wear a certain color or emblem in order to differentiate themselves from each other. At times, non-gang member students are unable to wear certain articles of dresses or colors because they don't want to be mistaken as a gang member. 'Reports say that gang wearings convey messages of threat, intimidation, fear and challenge to rival gangs.' (Gluckman, 1996, p.3)

The study on gang activity in the schools has not yet been proven, but 'evidence shows gang violence has increased, dropout rates have increased and standardized test scores have declined. It would be presumptuous to say one causes the other, but there's a strong inference that such a correlation exists.' (Gluckman, 1996, p.5)

Security in our schools is a major concern. By introducing a school uniform policy, the fear that students have by attending a gang-populated school could be reduced. Everyone would be dressed the same so distinguishing between mobs, along with mob activity would be decreased. Therefore, the learning process could continue in a more positive atmosphere. Kilpatrick believes (cited in Kohn, 1997) that if 'repeated messages' do not work, and then you simply force students to conform: 'Sometimes compulsion is needed tc get a habit started'.

Reducing peer pressure

Peer pressure is among all people and more so if you're a adolescent. This is a part of human nature that has limited control. Both the style and marketing industries, along with other parts of the media in our culture, add to the peer pressure we all experience. Not only do students feel the pressure to conform, but so do parents. Students are pressured into wearing the 'coolest' clothes so they can 'fit' in with their peers. Making a fashion statement is the way to be accepted and liked amongst one's peers. Students release some of that pressure by claiming that their parents buy them the latest trend in dresses. Parents are placed in a situation of buying lavish clothes that soon go out of style just so their child is liked and/or does not get stressed in school. School uniforms give parents and students 'another tool in the war against social pressures' (Atkins and Scholosberg, 1996, p.1) and permit students to put less emphasis on trendy clothes and more importance on a useful education. For students, this means more time to sleep in the morning because they would not have to spend endless amounts of time determining on what to wear to school. If this means more sleep, then the students will be more attentive to focus on their studies. 'Uniforms also enforce a valuable principle that people ought to be judged by their character and not by their appearance.' (Forbes, 1994, p.26)

Decrease in clothing costs

In the past, parents have spent a large amount of money each August buying head-to-toe school dresses for their adolescents. Presently, 'the International Mass Retail Association (IMRA), polled its members - stores such as Walmart, Kmart, and Burlington Coat Factory - and found that students/parents are buying only school supplies in August and buying clothes later in the year or year round. They want to see what their friends are wearing. Retailers also said that young shoppers tend to buy clothes as they need and want them.' (Hanson, 1996, p.43) Students may seem to forget that the determination of school is learning, not making a fashion statement.

By introducing a uniform policy, the economic burden that parents face could be exhausted, if not removed. Parents could spend less money each year on clothing charges because they would only need to buying a few uniforms for the year instead of trying to stay updated with the changing fashions. 'A recent IMRA poll of consumers found that 52 percent of those surveyed favored government proposals requiring uniforms for public school children because parents want to save money.' (Hanson, 1996, p.43) Uniforms could carry over year to year, so proceeding students could either give or sell their uniforms to the new incoming students. This yet again is supportive to one's budget since one would not have to purchase new clothes each year. For those families and/or students who still could not afford the uniforms, either the school district itself or local business owners would donate the funds in order to supply those families with the recommended or mandatory uniforms.

Increase in academic performance

Data collected around the country, conclude that the overall student performance is declining in the public schools. Standardized test scores are dropping along with academic scores across the board. By having a school uniform policy, the emphasis could be on learning which could progress students' educational performances. 'Students who attend schools with a uniform policy attend more frequently, and when in school concentrate on their education rather than their social arrangements. As a result, their academic performance increases as well.' (Caruso, 1996, p.86) Concentrating more on studies and that education is more important than the way one dresses is the message schools are trying to get across and school districts are trying to communicate that message to their youngsters.

Increase student self-esteem

Students may develop low feelings about themselves and are often presumed by their peers when they are wearing hand-me-downs (useable, but outgrown clothing handed down to younger siblings) or believe they do not have trendy dresses. This attitude is very harsh to one's self-respect which can have a overwhelming influence on how one contributes to culture as an adult. 'Uniforms eliminate this prejudice' (Caruso, 1996, p.84) because students are not able to tell the 'haves' and the 'have not' apart from each other.

Schools in New York City are thinking about requiring uniforms for students in the primary grades for the sole reason of developing self-esteem. 'Schools Chancellor, Rudy Crew, believes if students from kindergarten through third grade wore uniforms, their self-image would be based on academic performance instead of a wardrobe.' (Democrat & Chronicle, 1997, 2B) This school system believes without high self-esteem, students would tend not to spend as much time in school and therefore their academics could suffer.

Disadvantages of uniform

The idea of implementing a public school uniform policy appears to have favorable intentions - protect students and provide a valuable education, but not all people believe so. There are many people in society, including students, parents, educators and school officials, who have opposed the idea of a school uniform policy. The following information will look at the reasons why some disagree with such a hopeful policy.

Infringement of First Amendment rights

Liberty of expression through appearance is one's legal right, although many school officers are trying to get around that right by claiming a school uniform policy is to regulate students for health and safety issues, not for conforming issues. Some adults are upset because students are not able to show their personality through their dress, and they believe it lessens the students' individuality.

The Supreme Court has resolute that student’s choice of dress as a means of personal expression can be regulated by school officials ever though they have extended First Amendment protections of political speech to nonverbal acts of communication. It is not clear, however, whether the guarantees of privacy and feespeech apply to student's choice of dress. (Caruso, 1996, p.86)

Does not deter violence and gang activity

'Those who oppose school uniforms feel that they will not deter violence or gang activity because these acts are not a result of the school environment.' (Caruso, 1996, p.86). Many of the students who contribute in violent activity and gangs come from an unhealthy environment containing aspects such as substance/physical abuse, maternal impact, lack of family values and cultural traditions; those factors hearten students to participate in such violent acts. If a uniform policy was implemented, mobs would use other means of personal themselves from each other, like permanent markings such as tattoos and scars. A uniform program 'proceeds by trying to 'fix the kids', and it ignores the accumulated evidence from the field of social psychology demonstrating that of how we act and who we are reflects the situations in which we find ourselves.' (Kohn, 1997, p.431)

Some believe, if intense activity in the schools is such a burden, then the school should work more closely with the law enforcement to ensure a safe environment. Schools alone cannot deal with the social issues at hand and eliminate gangs and violence, just by implementing a school uniform policy. If these issues are not dealt with appropriately, then violence and gang activity will continue. Schools need to use outside assistance, such as the law enforcement, in order to 'win' back their schools from the ongoing destruction.

'Social classes among students will remain' (Caruso, 1996, p.87)

Opposes for a school uniform policy believe students will continue to segregate based on social class even with the implementation of school uniforms. They will wear accessories and learn to distinguish themselves through academics, sports and extracurricular events, rather than by the way one dress. The idea of creating an 'oneness' is a falsity educators want parents and students to 'buy' into. In reality, students and society alike have different communal classes, and the implementation of school uniforms will not eliminate such classes like the 'haves' and the 'have nuts.'

'School uniforms are an economic burden' (Caruso, 1996, p.87)

It is not unusual for some families to have more than one child who may attend different school buildings within the same district. Therefore, if a school uniform policy is implemented, parents would need to purchase different uniforms without the option of using them for another child. Such a policy would also eliminate the hand-me-down option that many multi-child families rely on in order to tackle the economic hardship of purchasing new clothes each year.

Intrusion into lives of parents and students

Parental privileges and duties are violated when a uniform policy is enforced because parents no longer have the right to socialize their children according to their own values and social class. For students, their individuality is restricted along with the natural process of identity experimentation through clothing. By conforming and eliminating every form of an individual's expression, our schools will only be left with soldiers and not students.

Since the beginning of violence in the schools, uniforms have become the latest tool in the struggle to keep students' minds on their studies instead of on expensive clothing. Many public schools believe violence is out of control in their schools and implementing a uniform policy will enable the school administrators to 'take back' their schools. They believe, by exercising such a policy, they will empower students to work harder and take pride in themselves and their school. They also believe that when a student looks good, the student tends to act differently, which can lower the violent activity in the schools. 'Whether students are in first grade or eighth grade, they are all in school for the same reason - to learn. Too often clothes distract kids from that goal.' (Hanson, 1996, p.43)

An Educational Research Information Clearinghouse (ERIC) search of the literature revealed that little information is available regarding the implementation and effects of uniform programs in public schools. No studies have been found that connect the wearing of uniforms to outcomes such as student achievement and discipline. This amount of research and information is necessarily limited because relatively few public school systems have implemented such policies. (Virginia State Department of Education, 1992)