School Uniform Movement And What It Tells Us About American Education

School Uniforms

Typically worn in private and parochial schools, school uniforms are now, more than ever, being adopted within the US public schools systems. For years now schools, parents, and students have been butting heads over the uniform debate, which appears to be never-ending. Some debate that requiring students to wear uniforms limits their ability to be an individual, while others say that wearing said uniforms will only encourage students to put their focus and efforts into other things that will benefit them. While there are both advantages and disadvantages to school uniforms, through research from scholarly articles and personal blogs and years of personal experience it is evident that the pros out-weigh the cons.

Background: According to David L. Brunsma in his book “The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us About American Education,” the first recorded use of school uniforms is supposedly dated back to England in 1222 when an Archbishop required students to wear a specific

Students are obviously allowed to wear whatever they like outside of school. Although students may not feel “free” when it comes to their clothing for a few hours a day at school, they are privileged enough to feel free when it comes to danger. Uniforms are a small price to pay when it comes to being safe and secure. Not to mention that students wearing uniforms are perceived better by their peers, teachers, and other adults. School uniforms have been known to give a subconscious boost in feeling better about yourself, causing you to perform better in school. Even though students may all be dressed the same, it is still possible to find ways to differentiate oneself. This can be achieved with different socks, shoes, accessories, backpacks, jewelry, school supplies,