Sample – Does What You Wear Make a Difference?
English 101.001
Does What You Wear Make a Difference?
Frequently instilled in private institutions, school uniforms are becoming more commonly seen in public schools each year. Only one in eight U.S. public schools required students to wear uniforms during the 2003-04 school year (National). However, during the 2011-12 school year, one in five U.S. public schools required their students to wear uniforms (National). Some say that school uniforms enforce safety and fairness between all types of students. Others view school uniforms as a violation of a students’ rights to express themselves as they see fit. As the amount of mandatory uniforms are increasing each year, the question remains: are school uniforms beneficial to those who must wear them?
Even though they may be unfamiliar to many Americans, school uniforms are still being implemented in schools. On average, Americans spend approximately one billion dollars each year on school uniforms (Matthews). As of 2008, 22 U.S. states specifically authorized schools to institute dress codes or uniform policies (Matthews). While the average number of schools enforcing uniforms has indeed been growing each year, these policies are most likely to be found in high-poverty areas (Indicators). In fact, U.S. schools with a minority student population of 50% or more are four times as likely to require uniforms than schools with a minority population of between 20-49%, and 24 times more likely than schools with minority populations of 5-19% (Indicators). The U.S. as a whole has developed several policies and standards related to school uniforms, so does that mean that they are helpful?
School uniforms can easily save parents and guardians money. When students are limited to one or two simple outfits to pick for school, they are less likely to require excess amounts of different clothing to wear instead. In 2013, a national survey of 517 U.S. school leaders discovered 94% believed that "one of the main benefits to parents is that school uniforms are more cost-effective than regular apparel," while 77% guessed the average annual cost of school uniforms to be under 150 dollars (National). French Toast, a uniform company, clearly states on their website that the average cost for one set of a complete school uniform is around 45 dollars. They also say that the typical child only needs about two sets of uniforms (Abel Fosseen). With uniforms in place, parents most likely will feel less pressure to buy their children the latest, most expensive, and trendy item to show off at school (Four).
School uniforms have the potential of creating fairness among students. Alongside with this sense of equality, uniforms may also reduce peer pressure and bullying. When all students are wearing similar outfits each day, there is less competition amongst them as no one person could be ruled out as less fashionable than the rest and subsequently be made fun of for it. The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) completed a survey in 2013 which found out that 86% of school leaders believed uniforms make "a significant, positive impact on peer pressure", and that 64% thought uniforms also reduced the risk of bullying (National). Founder and director of the Center for Parent Education at the University of North Texas Arminta Jacobson states that uniforms put "all kids on the same playing field in terms of their appearance. [And it] gives them a sense of belonging and a feeling of being socially accepted" (School). Virginia B. Draa, an assistant Professor of Human Ecology at Youngstown State University, deems uniforms capable of decreasing peer pressure among students and also blurring social class lines (School).
Mandatory school uniforms eliminate the hassle of picking an outfit out each morning and getting all dolled up for school. Thus, school uniforms can aid in improving punctuality. Over 90% of U.S. school leaders believe that these types of policies "eliminate wardrobe battles with kids", make it "easier to get kids ready in the morning", and create a "time saving in the morning", according to a national 2013 survey (National). A 2010 study by researchers at the University of Houston discovered that the "average absence rate for girls in middle and high school decreased by 7% after the introduction of uniforms" (Gentile). In Albuquerque, NM, discipline referrals plummeted from 1,565 to 405 during the first semester of required uniforms they enforced (Abel Fosseen). Along with this, students in uniform may be better perceived by those around them, including adults and teachers. In 1994, a peer-reviewed study found that students in uniform were seen by teachers and others as more academically advanced than those in street clothes. This same study also unveiled that students in uniform were not only viewed with possessing higher intelligence, but also seen as having more potential as well as being better behaved than others (Gentile).
School uniforms help to keep students less focused on what they are wearing and more focused on getting the best education possible. The National Association of Secondary School Principals stated that "when all students are wearing the same outfit, they are less concerned about how they look and how they fit in with their peers; thus, they can concentrate on their schoolwork" (Gentile). The University of Houston did a study in 2010 and found that the language test scores of elementary school girls increased by approximately three percent once uniforms were implemented (Gentile). Along with allowing complete focus to be on schooling, uniforms also salvage class time because teachers do not have to enforce a standard dress code, which leaves room for gray area when it comes to what is okay to wear and what is not. Former Director of Field Experiences at the University of North Texas College Education, Doris Jo Murphy, says that: "As an elementary assistant principal in two suburban districts, I can tell you that the dress code took up a great deal of my time in the area of discipline… I wished many times that we had uniforms because the issue of skirts or shorts being too short, and baggy jeans and pants on the boys not being pulled up as they needed to be, would have been a non-issue" (School). The superintendent at Lyndhurst, NJ school district encountered similar issues, having kids spending time in her office all because they were not following the dress code that was in place (National). Without required uniforms, an abundance of valuable time can be spent outside of the classroom in order to address clothing issues.
Some may believe that school uniforms are an infraction on students’ right to freedom of expression. According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, what kids choose to wear is "a crucial form of self-expression" and "allowing students to choose their clothing is an empowering message from the schools that a student is a maturing person who is entitled to the most basic self-determination" (Four). Clothing options are also seen by society as a way to support a variety of different social causes. Whether showcasing sport teams, musical artists, or the local football team, clothing items can be very expressive. While there are those that argue school uniforms inflict upon these rights, students are still capable of expressing their uniqueness and individuality while in school uniforms if they choose to do so. Amelia Jimenez, a junior high school student, wrote that "contrary to popular belief, uniforms do not stop students from being themselves. Uniforms do not silence voices. Students can wear a variety of expressive items, such as buttons or jewelry" (National). A 2012 study found that 54% of eighth-graders still felt that they could express themselves while still wearing their school uniforms (National). Along with buttons or jewelry, students are able to add other variations to their uniforms. Unique hairstyle options, colorful accessories like socks, purses, or scarves, or even small influences such as nail polish can aid a student in uniform to still stand out in a crowd.
Part of the U.S. may believe that school uniforms encourage conformity rather than individuality and originality. Late satirist George Carlin pointed out that schools already teach kids the same curriculum, so, is it then too much to make them dress the same as well (Four)? Kyler Sumter, a Chicago junior high school student wrote in the Huffington Post: "They decide to teach us about people like Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony and Booker T. Washington… We learn about how these people expressed themselves and conquered and we can’t even express ourselves in the hallways" (Four). These allegations are true to an extent but mostly exaggerations. Yes, school uniforms make all students look alike. However, school uniforms do not crush the creative side of each student to the point where they can’t even think their own thoughts. Students wearing uniforms are still able to be their own individual. In fact, studies show that wearing uniforms actually creates an overall community spirit while simultaneously raising school pride levels. A study of over one thousand students was conducted in 2002 at Texas middle school which found that students in uniform "reported significantly more positive perceptions of belonging in their school community than reported by students in the standard dress groups" (Abel Fosseen). The head of the Center for Research on Aggression at Syracuse University, Arnold Goldstein, PhD, stated that "uniforms help troubled students feel they have the support of the community: There is a sense of belonging" (Gentile). Not only do researchers see this, but in 2007, a study found that after uniforms were made a policy, "teachers perceived an increase in the level of respect, caring, and trust…throughout the school" and said "students are made to feel ‘important’ and as if they are a part of a team by wearing the uniform" (Gentile). When everyone has the opportunity to feel included, students are able to succeed in ways they may not be able to when feeling rejected by those around them.
School uniforms are making more and more appearances each year in public schools. Mandatory school uniforms are extremely beneficial to not only the students wearing them, but also to their guardians and to the community. Uniforms cost lower than 150 dollars for the average student, saving parents money each year as they do not need to supply much in the way of other clothing options. Along with this, it helps parents feel less obligated to purchase the latest pricey trend on the market. When uniforms are in place, students may feel less peer pressure and a better sense of fairness, community, and school spirit. School uniforms also assist in getting students to class on time as they have an easier time getting ready for the day. Though people see required uniforms as imposing on the right of self expression and individuality, those wearing them are still extremely capable of defining themselves. Overall, uniforms create a positive general sense of unity and equal opportunity among students.
Works Cited
Abel Fosseen, Linda. "School Uniforms in Middle Schools: Enhancing Identity and Security." Uniforms in Public Schools: A Decade of Research and Debate. Ed. David L. Brunsma. N.p., 2006. Web. 27 Nov. 2014.
"Four Reasons Public Schools Should Think Twice Before Instituting School Uniform Policies." American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada. N.p., 19 Dec. 2008. Web. 28 Nov. 2014.
Gentile, Elisabetta, and Scott Imberman. "Dressed for Success? The Effect of School Uniforms on Student Achievement and Behavior." N.p., 15 Jan. 2010. Web. 26 Nov. 2014.
"Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2012." US Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics, 26 June 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2014.
Matthews, Joe. "In Uniforms, No Uniformity." N.p., 11 July 2001. Web. 28 Nov. 2014.
"National Survey of School Leaders Reveals 2013 School Uniform Trends." National Association of Elementary School Principals. N.p., 30 July 2013. Web. 27 Nov. 2014.
"School Uniforms Equalize Students, Education Professors Say." University of North Texas, 3 Aug. 2006. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.
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