The pros and cons of school uniforms

SUPPORTERS say uniforms promote equality, belonging and identity. Detractors say they promote conformity and cost too much. Which is true?

There are advantages and disadvantages of school uniforms. Picture: Pamspix

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SUPPORTERS say uniforms promote equality, belonging and identity. Detractors say they promote conformity and cost too much. Which is true?

As it turns out — the answer is both.

One of the biggest mistakes I encountered as a new school principal was making “minor” changes to the sports uniform.

It was done with the best intentions but I soon found out how naive I was, given the volume of feedback from our parent community.

There were many lessons I learnt from that experience.

The first was that school uniforms not only represent a financial investment but also an emotional one. Uniforms are a tangible representation of something much bigger — school culture and values.

Uniforms can promote equality and a sense of belonging.

There has been media coverage recently debating whether school uniforms are still relevant.

Ask most students and they would probably prefer wearing casual clothes. On the other hand, most parents and teachers are supportive of having uniforms for a number of reasons.

The most important is that it creates an environment of inclusivity and equality where children aren’t judged on their clothing choices or the price tag. Uniforms take the competitive nature out of appearance.

Uniforms give all students a sense of belonging and identity. They encourage a level of personal discipline and pride in being able to wear a uniform and wear it well.

Also, knowing what to wear each day makes life much easier for parents and students.

The counter arguments are both practical and philosophical.

Not having uniforms can be less costly.

Uniforms can be seen as promoting conformity. Students will argue that wearing a uniform stifles self-expression.

There is also the question of how useful and practical uniforms are given they can only be worn in one place for a finite period of time.

Cost is perhaps the most significant factor in any debate on school uniforms. Uniforms can include many pieces, including backpack and hat.

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While uniforms don’t have a direct impact on the quality of learning, they can contribute to the overall school culture in which parents and schools have high aspirations and expectations of each learner.