Should school uniforms be made compulsory?
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School life is based on a variety of school rules. In Japan, excessive school rules that restrict students' hairstyles and clothing have become a problem in recent years, known as ' black school rules .' However, the issue of student freedom and school rules is also being actively discussed overseas. The international news media The Conversation has compiled the opinions of five experts on the topic of 'Should uniforms be made compulsory in Australian schools?'
Should school uniforms be compulsory? We asked five experts
https://theconversation.com/should-school-uniforms-be-compulsory-we-asked-five-experts-121935
Developmental psychologist Peter Wilson, the only one of the five experts to support the mandatory requirement of uniforms, said, 'Uniforms can not only reduce comparisons of social status among students, but also instill and support a sense of equality among students.' Wilson also argued, 'When dress code is liberal, students may feel that others are judging their fashion sense, or that it reflects their personality or status. In extreme cases, clothing at school can strengthen clique formation among students.'
On the other hand, the remaining four experts are opposed to making uniforms compulsory. Educational psychologist Sue Loffey said, 'In the United States, uniforms are not as common as in Australia or the UK because freedom is a constitutional principle.' She argued, 'While freedom to choose clothing certainly promotes a sense of independent thought and expression, this must be balanced with constitutional freedom. School-age children also have opportunities to express their individuality outside of school through their clothing, leisure choices, and interests.' However, Loffey acknowledged that school uniforms are a useful way to ensure student discipline.
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Behavioural psychologist Jeffrey Thomas argues against the introduction of school uniforms, saying, 'There is a wealth of literature on school belonging, but no mention of school uniforms as a way to foster that feeling. How students feel about school depends on supportive and respectful relationships between students and teachers and a sense of achievement. If teachers punish students for not following the uniform rules, then maintaining respectful relationships is at risk.'
Victoria Rowling, an education scholar, said, 'It's true that uniform dress may help blur economic differences among students,' but added, 'But my research shows that even when students wear uniforms, economic differences still surface in hairstyles, makeup, bags, and accessories. These elements carry meanings related to class, gender, and culture, and serve to establish power hierarchies and discriminate. Therefore, wearing a uniform alone does not eliminate social class differences.'
by Florian Ramel
Rowling also criticized the idea that uniform dress limits gender diversity and contributes to a culture of 'privileging those in positions of power' by forcing minorities to bear the brunt of school policing and punishment.
While legal scholar Renai Barker opposes mandatory school uniforms, she argues that 'uniforms should not be enforced, but should set minimum standards.' She points out that Australia's Equal Opportunity Act provides that 'schools may establish and enforce reasonable standards regarding the dress, appearance, and behavior of students,' giving schools broad discretion in applying uniform policies. She also said schools should be flexible enough to take into account religious and cultural diversity, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to wear appropriate clothing together.
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