Are School Uniforms Necessary?

[Dokansia]

Is the order and discipline that a school uniform is supposed to bring worth it? Or do you think that students should be allowed to express themselves through their clothing? 

[Jabberwocky]

Clothes are just clothes. There is no advantage in homogeneity.

[Flying Eagles]

Yeah, really hard to justify school uniforms. I guess they make kids not have to think as much about which clothes they wear and it becomes harder to bully people for appearance but they limit freedom of expression so much.

[Valentian Elysium]

I've been in schools where school uniforms were mandatory, as well as in schools where we were allowed to wear whatever we wanted. Comparing between the two, I don't see any "order" nor "discipline" that uniforms are supposed to bring with them (well, according to some who think so) To me, the difference between the two was none at all. Or, well, maybe that I had to wash my clothes more regularly, but otherwise none.
As for whether schools should have uniforms....I'm leaning towards "let students dress however they like." Ofc they shouldn't come to school in like...pyjamas or something, but they should be allowed to choose what they want to wear that day, whether that be a simple red T-shirt or a black shirt with the logo of some rock band on.

[Klopstock]

Maybe not necessary, but I'd say preferable. School uniforms, as with most uniforms, shape and unite the community. It might shape them through suffering, grumbling, and universal annoyance, but it unites them all the same.

Besides, it's not like most kids can express themselves through their clothing anyway. Giving them way too much credit.

[Sorya]

I had school uniforms throughout elementary and middle school and quite honestly missed them in high school (maybe even university). One less thing to think about and socially I think it puts everyone on a level playing field. Plus what Klop said about community. Something to be said about looking about and knowing you all belong to the same place.

[Klopstock]

I’ve known a lot of military, police, and workers who relate that a uniform brings them together and helps them overcome differences in style, class, national origin, gender, and more. Meeting up out of uniform can be jarring.

I’d argue that choosing one’s own clothing is less about free expression and more about social signaling. This is dialed up even higher for younger people.

[Zaberaz Hapang]

I think the only pro is that people who can't afford expensive clothing won't get bullied because of that, my school has uniforms and nobody really cares either way, the only thing we dislike is that they are short sleeves and the school is very cold. But I wouldn't say it gives us unity or discipline.

[Dorab]

Mar 10, 2021 23:10:45 GMT -5 Valentian Elysium said:

...pyjamas...

Whenever I remember that pajamas can be spelled pyjamas I regain a little joy in my heart. 

[Sorya]

Mar 15, 2021 9:28:14 GMT -5 Zaberaz Hapang said:

I think the only pro is that people who can't afford expensive clothing won't get bullied because of that, my school has uniforms and nobody really cares either way, the only thing we dislike is that they are short sleeves and the school is very cold. But I wouldn't say it gives us unity or discipline.

Ironically for my school uniforms were one of the greatest expenses for students.

[Jabberwocky]

Take away school uniforms and what do you get? Naked students! What a catastrophe THAT would be!