Uniforms promote gender inequality in various ways. The three main points that I will be focusing on are: the encouragement towards gender stereotypes, the controversial restrictions that girls undergo because of the compulsory use of skirts within most uniforms and the enforcement of gender binaries.
Firstly gender stereotypes are promoted due to the primary differences of male and female uniform requisites. Male uniforms consist of grey trousers, a white shirt black/brown leather shoes, green and white striped tie and a green pullover for students from year 6-11. And for IB students the only differences are the tie, which is navy blue with gold emblems of the coat of arms, and a navy blue blazer. As J. Craik stated in “Uniforms Exposed”
There are two different uniforms; one is for male students and the other one is for female students. However there are no unisex uniforms. Students that don’t define themselves as a certain gender are limited to identify themselves as either male or female, and are also being prevented from further exploration of gender identification. As Jan Hoffman (New York Times) explains in her article ‘Can A Boy Wear A Skirt To School?’ : “In recent years, a growing number of teenagers have been dressing to articulate — or confound — gender identity and sexual orientation. Certainly they have been confounding school officials, whose responses have ranged from indifference to applause to bans.” This suggest that students are being more open towards their gender identity and sexual orientation, yet further on this article Jan Hoffman states that there have been many cases of students being sent home due to ‘violations’ of the school’s dress codes. Such as a senior cross dresser being sent home because his wig was longer than the school expected a boys hair to be. This shows that in most schools dress codes and uniforms there are rules, which encourage conflicts due to gender expectations provided by the school and gender identity chosen by the
Male uniforms consist of grey trousers, a white shirt black/brown leather shoes, green and white striped tie and a green pullover for students from year 6-11. And for IB students the only differences are the tie, which is navy blue with gold emblems of the coat of arms, and a navy blue blazer. As J. Craik stated in “Uniforms Exposed” - “Uniforms are associated with the dress of a professional business man which gives boys at a young age the impression that masculinity is gained through business success.” This shows that the idea promoted by uniforms is that masculinity is only achieved when a male person becomes a businessman. These types of statements are portraying masculinity and gender roles in an unrealistic way. Uniforms and the message behind them can stimulate changes in student’s opinions of their preferred subjects because their views of masculinity and gender roles are being shaped due to these expectations promoted by uniforms. These false expectations can lead to disappointing outcomes to the ones being promoted to these types of stereotypes. Girls on the other hand are required to wear a skirt, which is often connoted with femininity. Yet skirts can be portrayed in a negative way towards girls. According to Alison Happel “Skirts are seen as a symbol of femininity because they restrict movement and force certain ways of sitting and playing”
Dress Codes are commonplace in today's society but in recent years, outrage at restrictive dress codes are increasing. A report by The Guardian illustrates an example of a restrictive dress code. Stephanie Hughes was called to the Principal’s office because the outfit she was wearing revealed her collar bones. Her outfit, comprising of a cardigan with a tank top underneath and jeans, was deemed as by her School Principal as inappropriate attire. The Principal explains that because her outfit revealed her collar bones, it would distract fellow male students and was hence not appropriate for school. Such dress codes only highlight the objectification of females, teaching males that while it is their responsibility to study, attaining poor scores can be explained as a result of distraction by the female students’ revealing clothes. Such dress codes teach males, in this case teenage boys, that they have the right to push the blame onto the females and shirk responsibility. While dress codes are tied to professionalism and etiquette, enforcing unreasonable dress codes that place emphasis on covering up the female body only ascertains the fact that Rape Culture is
Both Male and Females have complained that the dress code is “sexist and “biased” toward young women. One teenager said that the school should be an all-boys school. Since the code only applies to women. Another student said that “it was humiliating to be pulled aside like an object” to be told that her outfit is inappropriate.
Many students lose self esteem when they can’t express themselves. Therefore students should not be required to wear uniforms. This is necessary because most students would like to show their style and technique. In addition, uniforms limit the freedom of expression for students in school. Furthermore, uniforms are expensive and parents may not be able to afford clothing that can be worn at school and home. Finally, students should not be forced to wear
Parents and their children are constantly arguing about the way students dress in school. This debate has become a national conversation which has been going on for more than a decade. However, there still hasn’t been a final resolution. The questions “Why do I have to wear the uniform today?” or “Can I wear this t-shirt because the color matches with my school t-shirt?” have become part of our everyday lives. Before we go any further, we have to understand the difference between uniforms and dress codes. A uniform is simply a garment worn that is the same in all cases and at all times. Whereas, a dress code is a set of rules regarding the required manner of clothing in a certain context. For instance, a school might not allow students to wear
First, school uniforms eliminate opportunities for the ridicule of less popular or less fortunate students based on attire. Uniforms take the competition out of dressing. Students have been known to express themselves in flamboyant clothing. Price tags are in. Do you really want to be paying for a status symbol? A complaint by students is that uniforms reduce the freedom of expression. However, are we expressing ourselves through labeled clothing? Are we not just expressing a capitalist society in which everyone wears the same clothing that is priced higher due to its popularity and brand name? Is it righteous that the kid that cant afford these mainstream clothing is subject to ridicule? Uniforms just promote the peer pressure to perform and conform. Many students take after-school jobs to maintain their own style. Often these paychecks go to getting the “right” clothing instead of more important things such as saving for the future. The issue is not a part time job, but the reason behind the job is our concern. Is it not wrong that a student must waste his/her time working in order to get the right clothing and fit into society.
“Wearing uniforms can also hurt one’s self image. Almost all uniforms aren’t made with all body types in mind, but they are chosen for all students
School Uniforms eliminate freedom of expression among children and teens in school whilst also supporting conformity over individuality. The First
The negative aspects and effects of school dress codes are greater and more significant than the positive effects dress codes have on students or a school learning environment.These strict dress codes that are implemented in the majority of today’s public schools and the restrictions they place on female students is unfair. The enforcement of dress codes on female students in United States schools are sexist, degrading, and unnecessary.
Frequent schools across the country have a dress code, but some do not. There is great controversy as to whether schools should have uniforms. I take the affirmative side to this statement, strongly believing that schools should have uniforms to serve both their staff as well as the student body. School uniforms have proven extremely beneficial to the school and the student body. Requiring students to wear uniforms within school systems is a great idea. Not only do they promote equality, but they also save parents money and keep children safe (K). In addition, they signify rules, punctuality, and obedience. According to Hunt (1945), school uniforms would be a great idea because it gives children a sense of identity. Although a great number of the students want to wear their own clothes, such as baggy jeans, halter tops, and short skirts, which are inappropriate for school, uniforms would be a great stabilizer for students as well as their schools.
Another problem is that not everyone is satisfied or comfortable with the uniforms they are given, with female students typically required to wear skirts while male students are required to wear trousers. Since uniforms don’t factor in the type of body that a student may have, it is more than probable that a student will feel uncomfortable in an outfit that does not fit perfectly or is not made specifically with them in mind. In addition, some students have sensitive skin, which can be irritated by the fabrics and materials used in school uniforms.
We see stories Social media has more stories of girls being sent home because of dress code violations. Maybe the problem isn’t the students, but dress codes in general. Dress codes ultimately disrupt the pursuit of knowledge for the students, encourage gender bias, and can be dangerous. If we want the younger generations to succeed in the education system, we should utilize school uniforms. Uniforms in schools from elementary to high schools, will promote gender equality and facilitate student safety.
With uniforms, it may restrict the desire for students to dress themselves to impress or stand out. Wearing something they are comfortable with and what they love may increase their confidence level and not curb their creativity. Sometimes when students had to obey the rules and regulations, they might feel locked up inside as they cannot really express themselves. This case can lead to several discipline cases as a student can act aggressively since they think the need to wear uniforms will cut off their
All individuals struggle with discovering who they are and who they may want to be in the future. School environment, either negatively or positively, impacts the result of this greatly. Uniforms in the learning environment have become a highly debated subject all across the country. Although some individuals believe school uniforms have a positive affect, those people should understand the negatives because uniforms promote appearance over character, lower student’s self-esteem, and conflict with the right of expression.
I wore uniforms throughout primary school and I didn’t like them because I always felt uncomfortable with them. In hindsight, it could have been because I felt my personality was bottled up every time I put on my school uniform. There are claims that uniforms are not inclusive and won’t allow children to accept each other because of their differences (Linder-Altman).
Schools all over the world have created and enforced dress codes. Some schools are more relaxed than others; however, they all share the common theme of regulating what students can and cannot wear during the school day. But what happens when the latest fashion trends completely compromise the implemented dress code? That is the problem student’s-particularly young women- are facing in today’s society. The overwhelming increase in dress code violations has brought to light another issue associated with the codes: sexism. More and more, young women are being targeted and punished for dress code violations. While this may be due to the fact that fashion in today’s society is all about tight clothes, it could also lead to more long-lasting and sinister consequences. The rules set in place by schools prevent students and teachers from being “offended” or “distracted” by what these girls are wearing; however, this also lends to rape culture and making girls believe it is their fault if they receive unwanted male attention, as well as leading boys to think their behavior is okay. Dress codes send the message that it is a girl’s fault of anything bad happens to her due to her “suggestive” clothing.