School Uniform Is Bad Essay

The before school arguments over what to wear, and the ridiculous pricing of fashionable brand clothing, have become a harsh reality to many parents and their children. Because children feel a deep need to fit in with their peers, they face the never ending contest of comparison and stereotypes. On the other hand, many students do not have families that can provide them with the newest, sought after clothing and struggle to do so even when getting clothes from thrift stores and hand me downs. At the same time, in some schools gang signs and gang related clothing can be an issue, as well as fights and violence. Studies have shown that school uniforms are a solution to these problems that affect student interaction and productiveness in school.

Often, school uniforms are seen as an inexpensive alternative and better option for families to provide school appropriate clothing. In addition, most parents prefer purchasing uniforms than having to buy the latest expensive retail fashions for their children (Walmsley). Also, utilizing school uniforms have proven to lower costs of clothing. For example, a paper presented by Michael Firmin, Suzanne Smith, and Lynsey Perry during the 16th Annual Ethnographic and Qualitative Research in Education Conference, shows that many parents of students think that school uniforms would lessen overall clothing expenses over time (Konheim-Kalkstein). In other words, this proves that apparel expenses will likely decrease greatly over time, saving families’ from an other expenditure. In conclusion, school uniforms help to save students and their families’ money, and play a key role in reducing clothing

For instance, economical status can be the center of many students’ lives, and what someone has or does not have is often noticed by their peers. On the other hand, when uniforms are present, students are all seen as equal, whether they are above or below the poverty line (Viadero). Due to a simple addition of uniforms, students are placed on the playing field as equals. Since everyone is dressed similarly, students from low income families do not stand out (Walmsley). In result, when dressed the same, students do not have to worry about how well they are dressed, but can instead feel comfortable in their learning environment. To illustrate, Betty Mikesell-Bailey, the school improvement resource teacher in Decatur, Maryland quotes "Children at this age are so impressed with dress that if we can eliminate that little aspect of their daily lives and get their minds focused on academics, that's half the battle" (Viadero). Thus, removing this factor in children’s daily lives promotes a richer quality of learning that is undisrupted by appearances. Also, there is a noticeable difference in the way that students behave after a uniform policy has been made. For example, the strong sense of school pride and respect for each other is greatly appreciated by teachers with the presence of uniforms. Teachers have noticed that uniforms help students to better focus on class work rather than how they are