School Uniform Argumentative Essay

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Why Schools Need Uniforms

Not every student is comfortable with wearing a uniform, although many high schools today have made them mandatory. A major complaint about uniformity is that it limits artistic expression (Fryer and Collings 207). However, this should not be reason enough for schools to abandon uniforms. Apart from enhancing order and formality, uniforms create a school's identity and promote equality among learners, which create a favorable learning environment and ensure the continuity of schooling.

Firstly, uniforms identify a student with a particular school, thereby promoting pride in one's school (Spencer 227). A sense of belonging not only inspires one to share the aspirations of a school but also builds an alumnae support base for the institution (Breichle 19). People who are proud of having attended a particular school will likely appreciate it by contributing finances to build and renovate its structures, buy equipment, or sponsor its needy learners. As unique symbols of oneness, uniforms reinforce loyalty to institutions, hence the need to embrace them.

Uniforms also promote a sense of hierarchy, which enhances respect and orderliness within institutions, according to Fuller (85). It is important to differentiate students from teachers in the school setting for learning to occur efficiently (Sparling 90). Rahim and Liston (512) say that giving students the freedom to wear what they can afford subtly or openly creates competition that inhibits learning. Rich students might think that wearing expensive clothing makes them superior to teachers who cannot afford these, thereby causing disrespect to tutors. For the sense of hierarchy to persist in schools, therefore, uniforms are necessary.

Thirdly, uniforms enhance equality among students by reducing peer pressure and low self-esteem that may negatively affect learning (Shaw et al. 21). For instance, a study by Wilken et al. (159) suggests that bullying is more common in schools where students do not wear uniforms as compared to institutions where these clothes are mandatory. Moreover, the pressure to dress nicely can affect a student's performance when they fail to wear impressively (Rahim and Liston 512). Uniforms promote a sense of equality among all learners and eliminate the pressure related to dressing. As a result, students can focus more on learning together than on their differences.

In conclusion, school uniforms are useful when it comes to building student-teacher respect, enhancing school identity, and encouraging equality among students. Schools that adopt uniformity in student dressing may not only show better performance and loyalty among learners but also reduce feelings of separatism and cases of bullying. This produces an efficient school environment where learning activities prosper.

Works Cited

Briechle, Peter. "Does Institutional Type Affect Alumnae Donating Patterns in the United States?" International Journal of Educational Advancement 4.1 (2003): 19-29.

Fryer, Marilyn, and John A. Collings. "Teachers' Views about Creativity." British Journal of Educational Psychology 61.2 (1991): 207-219.

Fuller, Link. "Required Uniforms." Physical Educator 33.2 (1976): 85.

Rahimi, Regina, and Delores D. Liston. "What does she Expect when she Dresses like that? Teacher Interpretation of emerging Adolescent Female Sexuality." Educational Studies 45.6 (2009): 512-533.

Shaw, Kate, Stephen Timmons, and BA PGCAP. "Exploring how Nursing Uniforms Influence Self Image and Professional Identity." Nurs Times 106.10 (2010): 21-3.

Sparling, Elizabeth. "Social Acceptance at Senior High School." International Journal of Special Education 17 (2002): 90-99.

Spencer, Stephanie. "A Uniform Identity: Schoolgirl Snapshots and the Spoken Visual." History of Education 36.2 (2007): 227-246.

Wilken, Ilani, and Annette Van Aardt. "School Uniforms: Tradition, Benefit or Predicament?" Education as Change 16.1 (2012): 159-184.