The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms for Students

The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms for Students – It is usually believed that we are often judged by what we wear. Our clothes not only represent our external personality but also give insight into what we are on the inside. That is why clothes have been used time and again as means of expression of our society as well as political beliefs. Clothes are not simply basic commodities that we use to protect ourselves against harsh weather, they also provide us with social definitions. Garments, thus become a complicated topic when we discuss them in a social context. One of the major topics to look at here is the use of school uniforms.

The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms for Students

Like most things in life, school uniforms also have a set of pros and cons. In some modern communities, school uniforms are now considered to be outdated modes of ruthless discipline and are done with. Most schools in foreign countries do not make it mandatory for children to come in school uniforms. This has also raised a debate in our indigenous culture. Our school still wants children to attend school in appropriate uniforms and we must take a critical look at the reasons. Here is a set of a few pros and cons of school uniforms for students:

Pros:

1. Discipline: Schools set the initial phase for children to learn life-long discipline and a school uniform is one of the primary ways to implement it. A uniform is not simply about following a set of rules for your dress code. They are also a responsibility a child has to maintain throughout his time in school. School uniforms set students to adhere to regulations which they have to follow in the professional world as well. Apart from dressing, uniforms also implicitly enforce children to follow a schedule of washing, drying, and maintaining them. This is especially true for children in middle and intermediate classes as it must be their responsibility to maintain their uniforms the night before school. Therefore, uniforms are a great way to practice discipline.
2. Promote Social Equality: A school is a communal space attended by students from various religions, classes, creeds, and colours. A school uniform mandates that all these students appear equal to each other as well as the faculty. Had students been allowed to wear anything they desire, not only would it promote apparent social discrimination based on what they can afford, but it would also turn the school into a fashion parade. A uniform literally means “to make equal” and that is what it mandates. Our nation is aggressively diverse and we would definitely not desire children picking up thoughts and feelings of discrimination from school.
3. Eliminates Distraction: As already mentioned, children, when allowed to wear whatever they want, can turn a school into a fashion parade. A school is a place for learning and we would not want students to be distracted by what the other person is wearing. Fashion is important as a cultural commodity, but a school is no place to flaunt one’s fashion sense. Therefore, school uniforms help in keeping distraction at bay and focusing on what is really important, that is, education.
4. Building School Spirit: A school uniform is also a symbol of unity for students. Uniforms unite everyone and help them in upholding the spirit of unity, fraternity, and brotherhood. This is especially visible when students are taken outdoors for inter-school competitions. In these set-ups, students carry the responsibility of upholding their school’s reputation by enforcing and maintaining discipline. Such incidents are instances where students portray their school spirit.
5. School Safety: School uniforms are always designed in a manner that they are fit for children to play on the grounds, work in laboratories, and so on. We can not risk children running around in grounds and labs, wearing whatever material they choose. Uniforms ensure that students’ clothes do not become hazardous in these environments, especially in places like a chemistry lab where they have to work closely with fire and chemicals. Therefore, school uniforms ensure the safety of students.
6. Time-Saving: Imagine you have to wear different clothes to school every day. It might seem fun in the beginning but would soon turn into a nightmare. It would be a huge drain upon your time and energy to decide what to wear each day. School uniforms are thus saviors in this aspect as you already have the dress laid out for you. It would also save money when you do not have to spend on a different set of clothes for all six working days of the week.

Cons:

1. The Expenses: It is not always easy for children coming from middle- or lower-class backgrounds to afford school uniforms. When children are growing, they might outgrow their uniforms every few months. It then becomes a hassle for parents to afford and purchase new school uniforms. The fabric used to stitch the uniform must be of good quality as it must undergo repeated washing and wear. Therefore, it adds to the expenses of parents who already have to pay expensive school fees and purchase books, notebooks, and other stationery items.
2. Limits Freedom of Expression: School uniforms, though foster equality, are also a tool for limiting children’s freedom of expression, creativity, and imagination. These factors are considered as life tools that must be utilised carefully, especially among young children. However, uniforms do remain as a symbol of oppression and limitation.
3. Hassle for Parents: It is not easy to take care of young children who are in school. Parents have to take care of their class-work, homework, exams, packing lunch, and so on. Uniforms add to the responsibility of parents. Young children who can not take responsibility for their uniforms have to rely upon their parents for doing so. If the parents are working, it could get quite irksome for them to take care of washing, drying, and ironing the uniform.
4. Uniforms are Gendered: School uniforms are often gendered. For instance, boys are made to wear pants, and girls are asked to wear skirts. This is another way of continuing gendered norms we have been following as generations. When young children are made to follow these rules, it affects their budding gendered identity which lasts a lifetime.
5. Differentiates Between Schools Based on Social Class: We do know that we have different levels of institutions based on social classes. These schools have different uniforms which also stand as a symbol of these classes. Children coming from schools that charge high fees wear richer uniforms that are explicitly visible. A child draws his/her identity from their school and its uniform. Therefore, this social distinction can affect their identity formation and subdue their confidence.

Uniform or no uniform, schools are the stepping stones for a child’s future. The discipline and life lessons you learn in school are incomparable to anything else. Schools help us to build our identities and personalities. Our teachers act as our guides who, besides giving lessons, also help us during one of the most challenging stages of our lives. The Summit School makes sure that this learning phase of students is never compromised. Special attention is paid towards hiring the most competent staff where teachers are not only passionate about teaching but are really successful in their subjects. Make sure your child has an amazing school experience by enrolling him/her at the best CBSE school in Kolkata today!

We shared about “The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms for Students” in this post, Enroll your child at the best CBSE School in Kolkata Admission are open contact us today! Or call us at +91-9073681885. Follow us on our Facebook page & Twitter Social Media Profile for latest updates.