Students and School UniformsThe implication of school uniforms on the public school system would make a dramatic positive change for the students now and in the future. Currently the public school system allows casual dress code attire throughout the United States. Differing from private school institutions, where uniforms are mandatory. School uniforms are beneficial to the students and to the parents of these students.
Secondly, uniforms provide structure and unity within the schools. Lastly, school uniforms make the environment in which the students conduct in for approximately 6 – 7 hrs. of their day a safer place. How much does it cost to dress for school? The prices in the fashion market targeted to school age children are on the rise yearly. “The $28 billion children’s apparel market experienced continuous growth from 1998 to 2003 up 32%” (Key note publications, 2003), this statistic showing the growth in spending on fashion clothing for young children.
The clothing market now being a large expense for parents of these children. The purchasing of school uniforms is proven to be less expensive than the competitive fashion market at this time. School uniforms are typically purchased yearly, with the growing child. This lessening the amount of money spent on uniforms and attention paid to the fashion market’s competitiveness. A school is a form of a total institution. It is a place for reform, structure and unity for the individuals within that environment to fulfill a common goal.
For a total institution to properly work there must be unity. A uniform help to provide that unity. Many positive institutions with the adaptation of a uniform dress code are successful in the process of unification. For example, the air force and other military based institutions. In these institutions each individual is clear on the mandatory uniform policy, this awareness and discipline provides a stern and later acceptance to rule. Once in uniform, studies show that increases in acceptance of others are evident.
The viewing of multiple individuals wearing the same uniform brings a form of acceptance and unity due to similarity in appearance. The safety of our children is of our highest concern daily. “In recent years schools across the country have experienced violence, gang activity, and thefts of clothing accessories. ” (L. Isaacson, Student Dress Codes.
January 1998). A school environment is not a place for violent activity. This enforcing a quote made from The Manual on School Uniforms, “A safe disciplined learning environment is the first requirement of a good school. ” To be worried about ones personal belongings, and more importantly ones’ life disrupts the learning environment, stumping one’s ability to strive and accomplish academically. The addition of uniforms in the public school system has shown a positive decrease in violence and an increase of attendance.
Statistics show, a decrease in crime by 36 percent, fighting by 51 percent, and vandalism by 18 percent (L. Isaacson). With these statistics how could anyone argue against the addition of school uniforms? To keep our children safe from violence from fashion pressure from other children may only take the agreement to allowing the acceptance of a school uniform dress code. A school is a place to learn and to strive. For a child this may be a hard ordeal. With the addition of fashion pressure, in acceptance from others and the inability to walk the hallways because of one’s faded shirt, makes this impossible.
Lets makes this easier for our children, allow school uniforms to out public school institutions.
