• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Opinion Front

Opinion Front

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Articles

History of School Uniforms

The use of school uniform in the United States is slowly finding its way into public schools. The uniform policy was implemented in order to mold the students in a professional atmosphere and make them more responsible towards studies. Here is a brief insight into the history of school uniforms.

Home / Uncategorized / History of School Uniforms
History of School Uniforms

The use of school uniform in the United States is slowly finding its way into public schools. The uniform policy was implemented in order to mold the students in a professional atmosphere and make them more responsible towards studies. Here is a brief insight into the history of school uniforms.

When a student dons a school uniform, he/she is ushered into an environment which encourages learning and teaches the value of harmony and equality among the classmates. Many countries have school uniforms resembling military outfits. Debate over issues of making uniform mandatory in schools has sparked controversy in many parts of the world. Usage of uniforms is intended to blend the students irrespective of their caste, color, creed, and status.

Historic Importance

England: When we talk about uniform-related policy, the first thing that comes into our mind is discipline. The history of school uniforms can be traced back to England, where such outfits were initially used by orphans and children who represented the lower class. Soon it became the standard of the affluent sections of the society. The idea of a standardized dress code was adopted by the Cambridge University right from the13th century. Though it was met with staunch opposition from the students, the academic dress code gradually acquired a status symbol.

Many elite public and private schools in the United States and England introduced school uniform as a symbol of fineness and superiority. Over time, various schools started the trend of having different summer and winter uniforms. In general, boys wore pants and blazers and girls wore tunics and blouse, as school uniform. During the 1920s, a typical school uniform included a blazer, shirt, short pants, knee socks, flat-heeled shoes, and a cap for boys. Girls wore gymslips in darker shades, knee length socks and flat-heeled shoes.

United States: School uniforms were introduced in the United States somewhere around 1979, so as to tackle violence among students who fought for designer clothes. The uniform policy was effectively implemented by President Clinton who wanted to stop gang wars in schools. Statistical reports state that only 25% of primary schools and around 10% of secondary schools in the United States have strictly implemented the uniform policy.

In recent times, academic dress code has become the most debated topic among parents and educators. Many critics have stated that wearing uniforms has no impact on the thought process of a student nor does it considerably reduce inequality among the masses. Though the idea of school uniforms didn’t work with the Americans, many schools have a specific code of conduct relating to clothing. According to these rules, boys are instructed to wear pants, turtleneck shirts, sweaters, and blazers. Similarly, girls need to wear skirts, shirts, pants, leggings, and flat-heeled shoes.

Other Countries: In countries such as India and Pakistan, school uniforms were introduced during the British colonial period. In these countries, girls in senior secondary schools usually wear ‘Salwar Kamiz’ and boys wear pants and shirts. In preschool, girls wear skirts and blouses and boys wear short pants and shirts. In other parts such as New Zealand and Australia, where the British colonial rule was in effect, the uniform system is followed in public schools.

In short, the purpose of a school uniform is to promote team spirit and discipline, and enhance equality among all students. Though uniforms have helped to wipe out the discrimination meted out to the weaker section, critics have a different story to say. According to them, uniforms have no such great impact on the mindset of students. These standardized dresses have not helped to remove any barriers and are adding costs to the parents. Introduction of school uniforms was meant to inculcate a work-like environment, generate discipline, and help students to concentrate, so as to excel in academics.

Like it? Share it!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
« Previous Post
Next Post »

Category iconUncategorized

Get Updates Right to Your Inbox

Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox.
Blog Updates

Further Insights

Woman relaxing
Essential Benefits of a Digital Detox
May 15, 2020
Artistic woman using computer
Why Non-STEM Degrees Are Still Valuable
May 15, 2020
Woman relaxing on beach
3 Reasons Doing Nothing Can Actually be Productive
May 3, 2020

Primary Sidebar

Search

Latest Articles

Woman relaxing

Essential Benefits of a Digital Detox

Artistic woman using computer

Why Non-STEM Degrees Are Still Valuable

Woman relaxing on beach

3 Reasons Doing Nothing Can Actually be Productive

Men reading screen and laughing

3 Myths Far Too Many People Believe About the Past

Exploring the website?

Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there!

Footer

We hope you enjoy this website. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more!
  • Facebook
  • RSS

Copyright © Opinion Front & Buzzle.com, Inc.
6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsAccept
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.