Why do we Americans get so hot and bothered about over whether or not our kids should wear a school uniform. Is it that parents have some ingrained opinion from our own childhood, or that law makers have gone so politically correct that even kindergarten individuality and choice needs to be preserved, or have our kids assumed so much influence over Americans lives that they are taking over. Either way the debate rages on from the farmhouse in Idaho to the high rise of Manhattan ? with no definitive answer in sight.
An Open Question
All qualitative research studies that I have seen leave an open ended conclusion over the positive or negative effects of school uniforms. But one trend is undisputed. Since President Clinton endorsed school uniforms in public schools in his State of the Nation address 11 years ago, there has been steady growth in States and school adopting this policy. Now 1 in 5 public schools have some sort of uniform policy in place. The bottom line is that this is a matter of opinion and the desirability of a policy remains controversial among students, parents and educationalists alike. As a result some schools have abandoned uniform at the same time as others have adopted it. But make no mistake, the most important reason schools do or do not have a standardized dress code or school uniform is the pressure schools would receive from parents and students. So why all the pressure?
To Be or Not To Be
A primary issue is over individuality. Opponents feel that uniforms interfere and stifle the child?s rights for self-expression and allow school children to be viewed as a whole instead recognizing different characters and abilities. Uniform was better suited to a bygone age of rote learning and military-style discipline than to the more modern exploratory and creative values of modern education. Conversely, uniforms develop a strong school spirit and a sense of comradeship this helps to foster a community ethos. Additionally it promotes discipline which could help to increase academic results.
Follower of Fashion
Fashion to kids is more than the latest fad. It provides self confidence, popularity and a feeling of being modern and different. School wear can be a expression of this whereas uniforms are often worn under protest and discarded the moment school adjourns making them an item of unnecessary expense. Contrary to that, designer clothing can be very expensive and lead to social division between children. Uniforms tend to be a social leveler. It also has practical benefits when wore outside school, on field trips, etc., with kids moderating their behavior to suit.
Life for After School
Proponents say that uniform prepares children for life once they have left school. Success in various walks of life demonstrated by dressing smartly and appropriately for work and, in many cases, adhering to a corporate dress code. But then again, the modern world is much more relaxed about dress ? casual Friday is now most of the work week - making those that insist on uniform increasingly antiquated. Also there is no evidence to suggest that adults who attended schools without uniform struggle in the workplace.
Safety ? The Number One Concern
This is the big issue - particularly due to the horrifying events that have taken place in our schools in recent years. Uniform, by the word?s very definition, provides consistency and standardization individuals are easily identified as belonging to that school making it more difficult for unwelcome outsiders to enter school grounds. Uniforms also eliminate insignia and types of clothing that would indicate gang membership or cult affiliation. The ?sameness? may also reduce cliques, teasing and bullying.
No Magic Solution
If you?re like me, then discipline is important in school to foster learning and set the right teaching environment. Uniformity of some kind helps engender this and, at the very minimum, schools should address the issue of a dress code. It is not necessary for the code to be rigid only to be fair and reasonable. In addressing this, the best interests and welfare of the children must be the priority. But as we?ve seen there is no magic solution to the stopping of school violence and the improvement of discipline. Much of the answer lies in the interaction and relationship that exists in a school between students and staff. Uniforms or a dress code may help but ultimately the decision on behavioral change is made by the children themselves and the parents that guide them.
Lisa-Marie Dowler is the mother of a 9 year old daughter and the founder of Doll's Clothes & Accessories for American Girl Dolls. LM offers an economical choice of new and exciting dolls clothes and accessories for 18 inch dolls, plus lots more for young imaginations.
For a free gift sign-up for the Emily Rose Club or read her Mom's Blog