School Uniforms Argument Essay
In the recent years there has been debate among parents, students and teachers as to whether students should wear uniforms or not. In most cases teachers have been displayed as the proponents of the debate while students the opponents. Most countries require that students below the college level wear uniforms especially in public schools. However, some countries in the Europe like the United States of America as well as Canada; uniform is a very uncommon in public institutions. The proponents of this debate argue for the introduction of school uniform in all institutions while the opponents want to have the school uniforms scrapped. All school going students should be required that they wear school uniforms to school.
The wearing of school uniform increases the student’s self esteem. This is because the uniform makes all students the same irrespective of their backgrounds considering things like poverty. This enables them to develop self confidence up to an age when they are old enough. At this stage they will understand that there will always be differences among people but they don’t have to sacrifice their self esteem. According to Bowen, “they do not have to participate in the ‘school fashion show.’ Dressing alike helps students learn that what really counts is on the inside,” (1). Sholes believes that school uniforms help clear the social and economic differences among students. In his own word, “socioeconomic differences lessened” (1).
When students wear school uniforms, they improve the learning activity. Uniforms decrease the instances of distraction during learning by making all the students look uniform. This enables them to focus and concentrate on the school activities rather than spend time thinking about their social and economic differences. Even the classroom environment becomes conducive. Bowen argues that it makes the classroom environment more serious (1). Sholes also makes her point; “ when principals, teachers, and parents were asked whether they believed that school uniforms made a positive difference, they often answered that their school’s attendance, behavior, and achievement had improved” (1). School uniforms contribute positively towards academic prosperity and the students should be required to put them on.
If students are required to wear school uniforms, they are most likely to improve on their behavior. It will enhance the school attendance as well as punctuality with the income disparities equalized into a uniform. Bowen thinks that, “Some students actually skip school to avoid embarrassment about their clothing” (1). Students are likely to behave well knowing that they are all equal with a mutual interest of learning to gain knowledge as opposed to the battle for superiority. At most instances students wearing uniforms have behaved well as opposed to when they are in civilian clothes at school.
On the other hand, those that oppose the requirement to have students wear uniforms, believe that they are a financial burden to parents especially those from poor backgrounds. They argue that parents have to spend an extra amount buying extra clothing in the name of school uniform. Furthermore, school uniforms distract students with the ability to diversify and appreciate diversity as well. Students should be allowed to identify themselves through wearing non uniform clothes (Bowen 1). If students are allowed to put on “home clothes” their parents will who are working hard to make ends meet will have the cost burden pardoned on them.
In conclusion, whether school uniforms are a financial burden to the parents or they violate the students’ right of expression as citizens of a particular nation. The basic intended purpose for educational institutions is to provide learning and therefore should pursue anything that improves leaning such as wearing of school uniforms. The wearing of school uniform increases the student’s self esteem. When students wear school uniforms, they improve on learning. If students are required to wear school uniforms, they are most likely to improve on their behavior. Students should therefore be required to wear school uniforms
Works Cited
Bowen, Sherry. "View Article | EduGuide." Welcome to EduGuide. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2013.
Sholes, Delene. "Should Schools Require Students to Wear Uniforms? Pros and Cons | teacherprincipal.com." Teacher Principal. N.p., 27 Oct. 2011. Web. 6 May 2013.
