Why is school uniform such a thing?

Question

I live in uk and we have to wear it. I don’t know why cos countries like America don’t have to

DrPepper12 · Accepted Answer

Teacher here. The stated and studied response is:

It is an equalizer among disparate levels of wealth among kids.

It improves student discipline.

It prevents any number of sexuality related issues

It conveys stability, order and uniformity to the community - good PR in effect.

You can make many arguments about the various pros and cons of school uniforms and whether they are necessary. While they have traditionally been used in many private andn fact, a 2020 report showed that the percentage of public schools that require uniforms went from 12% in 1999 to 20% in 2017.

One of the first records of school uniforms was made in 1222, when the Archbishop of Canterbury made a rule that students had to wear a robe-like outfit called a "cappa clausa." These robes were used as a way to standardize the dress among school boys, making it easier for school teachers to keep track of boarding school students. In later centuries, this practice became associated with the upper class, and boys at prestigious schools would wear very formal coats with button-up shirts and top hats. These cumbersome standards (and cumbersome clothes) eventually became more relaxed, though.

KostasKouvalis · Accepted Answer

I don't know, I've never had to wear one, so you should be more knowledgeable on the subject. Here, they're mainly only a thing in private schools, and even not all private schools require them. I see them a lot in former British colonies

the29thhuman · Accepted Answer

That’s understandable to see other countries and cultures have different ways of dressing during education.
So many families cannot afford basic needs. Having clean cool looking clothes is a massive barrier for so many kids. Bullying & assaults happen and schools become a hostile and unsafe space that parents demand their kids go to so that the parents can work to provide.
Uniforms are smart and should allow the student to focus on the educational experience of being in school.
With uniforms though it would be better if the females had either longer skirts or dress pants

HelpfulWoman · Accepted Answer

imagine this: you are a student on very low income. You can just about manage a new pair of hard wearing school shoes. so clothes are plain/old fashion found at local charity shops or "cheap brands". You would be bullied for that, regardless of how little your fault it is.

Standard uniform is inclusive. And struggling families can get grants that will then be able to be approved to buy needed uniform as its easier to prove what its for.

Gwendoline · Answer

To identify what school you attend. So they everyone is dressed the same so there's no animosity or bullying over kids that come from poorer families wearing poorer clothes. So girls adhere to dressing modestly. To look smart.

red-lipstick-girl · Answer

In Turkey, it is mandatory to go to school with a uniform, this is what should be done because it should be obvious that you are a student of that school so that it can be understood if foreigners come.

purplepoppy · Answer

It puts all kids on the same level so the poor ones don't stand out in their cheap clothes. It makes kids skipping school stand out in the street.

exitseven · Answer

It is said that it stifles self expression and that if everyone dresses that same then clothing will not be a distraction.

ChicoFromThe305 · Answer

I think it depends on the school, if I'm not mistaken not all schools require uniform

convo_king89 · Answer

Usually it’s to prevent guys from getting distracted from women… in the us no one wants to it because of cost and free expression.

jahaims · Answer

Plenty of American schools have uniforms and they all have dress codes

Why is school uniform such a thing?

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