School Uniform: Necessity or Just an Extreme Policy - Essay Example

School Uniforms School Uniforms: A necessity or another Extreme policy s Abstract This paper would examine a basic fundamental of the society's rules and regulations of today; school uniforms. It would be seen that whether their role is required it whether it is something that would be used by the all-powerful governments to bind us further to a behavioral pattern. This paper examined the uniform standard in the United States after a number of arguments were cross-examined it was proven that uniforms do in fact play in academic achievement and discipline deferral. This paper would examine a controversial topic; a topic which as been analyzed and been a matter of debate for countless years but no solution has been found as yet to this issue. Though some might disregard it as trivial, yet the reality of the matter is that this very issue decides the basic foundation of our society and its regimentation. The issue that this paper would seek to analyze would be that of school uniforms; are they actually a necessity or just another ploy to keep the society in check. Whether it is in fact actually a matter of extremity of regulatory behavior or something that can hold the society fundamentals in place. School uniforms as we all are aware are common to many nations across the globe; used mostly in the primary and secondary schools. While the most widely recognized are those which are worn by students at schools, other types can be occupations such as nursing etc. If one was to examine the dress code itself, the normal pattern has been that of wearing clothes of more passive nature. In the United States, the scenario is such that though many schools do not have uniforms per see, they do have regulated dress code. The dress code limits the amount of skin that can be exposed. The limitations can be found for such garments that either have holes in them, or are obscene, gang-related or even unsafe in certain cases.( Millikan) IF one was to analyze the recent trend, it has been favorable towards adopting school uniforms. Statistics are proof of this basic fact. The National Association of Elementary School Principles showed that the percentage of school uniforms rose by a great deal in the year 2001; from 3 percent to 21 percent. However, certain elements of what this standardization has to be analyzed and studied before deciding the fate of these uniforms. As this paper would go on to prove, the requirement of today is the existence of these uniforms. The society of today has been considerable weakened by negative influences and such uniforms are required in order to hold together the foundations of our society. In the private schools such as the Catholic ones uniforms can be found as a common aspect.( Millikan) The above details highlight the fact that though there are none of the stringent uniform codes, schools still sticks to certain standards. The reasons behind are due to the government's requirements to create such a society in which acts of violence, obscenity are controlled. The American society is a society which strongly believes in the rights of its citizens ,at the same time, these rights are regimented within certain boundaries and by instilling these values form the primarily level, the governments hope achieve to goal. (The Star online,2008) The above paper has merely examined the sort of practices that prevail regarding the use of uniforms and the variations that can occur due to the type of control and interest that is exhibited by the government. Now, regarding the question of how efficient a role these school actually play as a tool of necessity or a weapon to subdue the masses from the foundation; a study which was published by David Brunsma and Kerry Rockemore states: "The findings indicate that school uniforms have no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems or attitudes". (Brunsma & Rockemore 1998) This paper will go on to prove contrary to the above findings that school uniforms do in fact play a decisive role. The thesis statement for this paper was outlined above; school uniforms help to increase academic achievement and decrease discipline deferrals. (Optionality Magazine, 2007) As was noted by some of the above examples of the American uniforms, school uniforms were used in order to remove income inequalities and to provide an environment of fairness. (Brunsma ,1998) Schools are a place where one goes to learn and in order to do so; a certain environment has to be created. If one was to examine the gang culture of the United States, even they have a dress code allowing themselves to be distinguished form the rest but at the same time making sure that they follow the gang's rules. In the State of California alone, uniforms were enforced by regulatory act in order to counter the effect of such a gang-culture; a culture which breeds discrimination ad acts of violence. This need was in order to create a school discipline and in order to provide an equal safe ground for all. By enforcing uniforms in the United States, the government makes sure that this gang culture is not allowed to exert its influence within the school walls. Hence, allowing all to be treated the same way and exerting a level of control over the students' behavioral patterns. School uniforms depict certain values; values which are not affected by the amount of affluent one is but the amount of personality and character strength one has. The implementation of such devices allows the society to build itself along lines of unity which add strength from the very beginning to he framework of a society; all races are held to be the same. (Santos ,2002) American history has been fraught with racial discrimination and by having such standards enforced; these forms of discrimination could be eliminated and eroded from the very minds of people. Each society of today has become a multicultural one; where each culture values its own prescribed traditions and values. In such societies, the necessity of school uniforms is even greater as it allows these differences to be set aside and all students are treated in the same manner. In a school setting, there is no place for such cultural differences as hat can pay havoc in countries lie the United States where people from all cultures and backgrounds can be found. Students at such ages are quite influential and by enforcing the uniforms, the government tries to make sure that these influences are kept to a bare minimum as they do not allow income disparities be displayed.(The Star online ,2008) By having a set standard of regulations rules from the grass root level, these multicultural societies are from the beginning given a feeling of being the same and hence, feelings of racial discrimination, social discrimination are downplayed. A large section of the Muslim population can e found prevalent in the US; by respecting certain religious elements e.g. use of headscarf, the society creates a feeling of tolerance which in itself breeds a closer and better-knit society. It is especially required in such times when the world d is heavily divided along religious lines. By having these uniforms, a feeling of community is created from the very beginning which helps the government in creating a society which believes in togetherness and welfare for all. By having uniforms, students are not allowed to wear any flashy clothing etc which allows them to focus on their academics. Hence, the above arguments have clearly shown why school uniforms help to increase academic and decrease discipline deferrals. References The Star Online. Teachers and students scoff at 'baseless' statement. Retrieved 24 May 2008. Available online at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.aspfile=/2008/5/23/nation/21337967&sec=nation The Star Online. Student with 'too transparent' uniform can be told to wear undergarment. Retrieved 24 May 2008. Available online at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.aspfile=/2008/5/24/nation/21340961&sec=nation "Those disgusting School Uniforms (B)". Optionality Magazine. Retrieved on 2007-11-30. Gov't goal is 'public education at no cost' to public school students". Retrieved on 2008-03-06. Brunsma, D; Rockquemore, K (1998). "Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement" (PDF). Retrieved on 2007-11-30. Fifty Years of Education in the State of Israel. http://www.splc.org/newsflash.aspid=1821 Santos, A" Dressing Down Houston's school uniform policies" 2002 Millikan ."Uniform requirements: white or navy top and khaki or navy bottoms." California. Retrieved from: http://www3.lbusd.k12.ca.us:81/millikan/ School Uniforms: Prevention or suppression http://www.gate.net/rwms/UniformRay.html Read More