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Effects of School Uniforms

The document discusses several studies on the effects of school uniforms. One study found that in low-income countries, poor students' feelings of exclusion when unable to afford uniforms can lead to higher dropout rates than just the cost alone. Another study suggested amending education policies in South Asia to include human rights and environment courses. While school officials claim uniforms have positive effects, there is little empirical evidence and mostly anecdotal claims. Uniform styles and costs vary by school, though provisions are made at some schools to help low-income families afford uniforms. A survey found most students did not feel uniforms reduced fighting.

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Harlene Joyce Rey
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255 views

Effects of School Uniforms

The document discusses several studies on the effects of school uniforms. One study found that in low-income countries, poor students' feelings of exclusion when unable to afford uniforms can lead to higher dropout rates than just the cost alone. Another study suggested amending education policies in South Asia to include human rights and environment courses. While school officials claim uniforms have positive effects, there is little empirical evidence and mostly anecdotal claims. Uniform styles and costs vary by school, though provisions are made at some schools to help low-income families afford uniforms. A survey found most students did not feel uniforms reduced fighting.

Uploaded by

Harlene Joyce Rey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The effect of school uniforms on school attendance in low income countries is scarce (Amra Sabic-El-

Rayess et al.,2019). The findings reveal that it is not only the cost of uniforms that matters, but also poor
students’ feelings of exclusion when the majority of students in a school wear uniforms. The poor drop
out from school when their symbolic association with the majority is visibly broken through their
inability to afford and wear school uniforms. The study suggests that school uniform policies in low
income countries are fraught with complications. Instead of creating cohesion, such policies are more
likely to affect poor students’ negative perceptions of themselves and play a strong role in dropout
rates.

Annamalai V. (2021), further hypothesized that the existing education policy with respect to the
environment and human rights in the countries in South Asia as well as address gaps and challenges.
While there is an emphasis on human rights education, its link to the environment and climate change is
largely overlooked in curricula. It is, therefore, necessary to actively amend the education policy to
include human rights and environment-centric courses that enable the youth to play an informed role in
immediate and future policy making in the region.

As noted, a paucity of empirical data exists to support the positive effect of uniforms on various
outcomes suggested by school officials, school administrators, teachers, and parents. Instead, a plethora
of anecdotal evidence has emerged alleging the success of uniform policies. Mandatory policies require
students to wear the uniform designated by school officials. Uniform styles and colors vary among
schools. However, dress pants, shirts, ties, and jackets for boys and skirts, jumpers, or pants and blouses
for girls are commonuniform components (Harden, 1998). Some schools designate specific colored shirts
for each grade level to show distinction among students (Allen, 1997). Other schools permit students to
design logos for uniform shirts and other required apparel.

Generally, the simple style and color scheme of uniforms render them economical compared to the cost
of regular clothes (Harris, 1994). Although uniforms cost less than the clothing students typically wear to
school, uniforms can pose a substantial financial burden to some families. Various schools have created
the following provisions designed to assist families unable to afford uniforms: (a) school districts provide
uniforms to students who cannot afford to purchase them; (b) community and business leaders provide
uniforms or contribute financial support for uniforms; (c) school parents work together to make
uniforms available for economically disadvantaged students; (d) schools operate exchange closets
where students trade old, outgrown uniforms for new ones; and (e) graduates donate used uniforms to
incoming students (Thomas, 1999)

Unlike the evidence purported by parents and school officials, students did not perceive a decrease in
fighting after the institution of uniforms. Stanley (1996) surveyed elementary, middle, and high school
students attempting to measure the effects of the recently implemented dress policy. Short-term results
indicated that the majority of student respondents did not feel that uniforms reduced instances of
fighting at school.

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