Decades ago, uniforms were mostly worn by students who went to private or parochial schools. But as local school boards have focused more on improving standardized test scores and campus safety, a growing number have begun requiring school uniforms — typically, a polo shirt of a particular color paired with navy or khaki pants, skirts or shorts. Nearly 22 percent ofpublic schools in the United States required uniforms in 2015-16 — up from almost 12 percent in 1999-2000, according tothe National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Proponents argue that students will pay more attention to their classwork if they aren’t preoccupied with fashion, and that they’ll be better behaved. Meanwhile, school administrators say uniforms help eliminate gang-related styles and logos. They also make it easier to spot a stranger on campus.
Despite their reported benefits, mandatory uniforms are controversial because a lot of parents and students don’t like the idea of forcing children to dress alike, which they say suppresses freedom of expression. Some families complain about the financial burden of purchasing uniforms in addition to their kids’ other clothing. Years ago, parents also complained that it was difficult to find uniforms, but that ceased to be an issue after large chain stores like Target and Wal-Mart began selling them.
As public schools debate the merits of uniforms — some school boards have been bouncing the idea around for years — it’s important for journalists to know what the research says on this topic. School officials do not always consult academic research before they put a plan on the table.
To help journalists ground their reporting and fact-check claims, Journalist’s Resource has rounded up several academic studies worth reviewing. Reporters may also want to examine reports on uniform use from the NCES, which collects and reports data related to school uniforms, dress codes and book bags in public schools.
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“School Discipline, School Uniforms and Academic Performance”
Baumann, Chris; Krskova, Hana. International Journal of Educational Management, 2016. DOI: 10.1108/IJEM-09-2015-0118.
Summary: This study examines test scores and student behavior in the United States, Canada and 37 other countries to determine whether uniforms affect student discipline. The researchers found that the highest-performing students are the most disciplined. In addition, “for countries where students wear school uniforms, our study found that students listen significantly better, there are lower noise levels, and lower teaching waiting times with classes starting on time.”
“Dressed for Success? The Effect of School Uniforms on Student Achievement and Behavior”
Gentile, Elizabetta; Imberman, Scott A. Journal of Urban Economics, 2012, Vol. 71. doi: 10.1016/j.jue.2011.10.002.
Abstract: “Uniform use in public schools is rising, but we know little about how they affect students. Using a unique dataset from a large urban school district in the southwest United States, we assess how uniforms affect behavior, achievement and other outcomes. Each school in the district determines adoption independently, providing variation over schools and time. By including student and school fixed-effects we find evidence that uniform adoption improves attendance in secondary grades, while in elementary schools they generate large increases in teacher retention.”
“Uniforms in the Middle School: Student Opinions, Discipline Data, and School Police Data”
Sanchez, Jafeth E.; Yoxsimer, Andrew; Hill, George C. Journal of School Violence, 2012. DOI: 10.1080/15388220.2012.706873.
Summary: Researchers asked students at an urban middle school in Nevada what they thought of having to wear uniforms. Their public school had adopted a uniform policy after staff members became frustrated with the earlier dress code policy, which resulted in girls wearing revealing clothing and boys wearing shirts with inappropriate messages and images. The study’s main takeaway: The vast majority of students said they dislike uniforms, although some agreed there were benefits. “For example, in reference to gender, more than expected females than males indicated students treated them better with uniforms. Also, fewer females than males got detention for not wearing a uniform or for wearing a uniform inappropriately.”
“Are School Uniforms a Good Fit? Results from the ECLS-K and the NELS”
Yeung, Ryan. Educational Policy, 2009, Vol. 23. doi: 10.1177/0895904808330170.
Abstract: “One of the most common proposals put forth for reform of the American system of education is to require school uniforms. Proponents argue that uniforms can make schools safer and also improve school attendance and increase student achievement. Opponents contend that uniforms have not been proven to work and may be an infringement on the freedom of speech of young people. Within an econometric framework, this study examines the effect of school uniforms on student achievement. It tackles methodological challenges through the use of a value-added functional form and the use of multiple data sets. The results do not suggest any significant association between school uniform policies and achievement. Although the results do not definitely support or reject either side of the uniform argument, they do strongly intimate that uniforms are not the solution to all of American education’s ills.”
“Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement”
Brunsma, David L.; Rockquemore, Kerry A. The Journal of Educational Research, 1998, Vol. 92. doi: 10.1080/00220679809597575.
Abstract: “Mandatory uniform policies have been the focus of recent discourse on public school reform. Proponents of such reform measures emphasize the benefits of student uniforms on specific behavioral and academic outcomes. Tenth-grade data from The National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 was used to test empirically the claims made by uniform advocates. The findings indicate that student uniforms have no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems, or attendance. Contrary to current discourse, the authors found a negative effect of uniforms on student academic achievement. Uniform policies may indirectly affect school environment and student outcomes by providing a visible and public symbol of commitment to school improvement and reform.”
“School Uniforms, Academic Achievement, and Uses of Research”
Bodine, Ann. The Journal of Educational Research, 2003, Vol. 97. doi: 10.1080/00220670309597509.
Abstract: “School uniforms are being advocated for a range of social, educational, economic, and familial reasons. In 1998, The Journal of Educational Research (The JER) published an article by D. Brunsma and K. Rockquemore that claims that uniforms correlate negatively with academic achievement, but data presented in this article actually show positive correlation between uniforms and achievement for the total sample, and for all but 1 school sector. Examination of structure of argument reveals that the erroneous claim results from misleading use of sector analysis. Simultaneous with The JER article, and on the basis of the same National Education Longitudinal Study: 1988 database, an Educational Testing Service article reported that no correlation exists between uniforms and achievement. The two articles are contrasted in this study. The effect of new communication technology in amplifying political uses of academic research is discussed.”
“Public School Uniforms: Effect on Perceptions of Gang Presence, School Climate, and Student Self-Perceptions”
Wade, Kathleen Kiley; Stafford, Mary E. Education and Urban Society, 2003, Vol. 35. doi: 10.1177/0013124503255002.
Abstract: “This study attempts to clarify the relationships between public school uniforms and some of their intended results: student self-worth and student and staff perceptions of gang presence and school climate. The instruments used in the study included a questionnaire on gang presence and identity, the National Association of School Principals Comprehensive Assessment of School Environments, and the Harter Self-Perception Profile for Children. Participants consisted of 415 urban public middle school students and 83 teachers. Findings indicate that, although perceptions did not vary for students across uniform policy, teachers from schools with uniform policies perceived lower levels of gang presence. Although the effect size was small, students from schools without uniforms reported higher self-perception scores than students from schools with uniform policies. Student and teacher perceptions of school climate did not vary across uniform policy.”
“The Effect of Uniforms on Nonuniform Apparel Expenditures”
Norum, Pamela S.; Weagley, Robert O.; Norton, Marjorie J. Family & Consumer Sciences, 1998. doi: 10.1177/1077727X980263001.
Abstract: “The uniform industry has grown steadily the past 20 years with increased attention from employers trying to create a professional image among workers as well as school administrators considering uniforms to curtail school violence. Although an important part of human dress for centuries, uniforms have received little attention from researchers of the clothing market. This study examines the impact of uniform purchases on household expenditures for selected nonuniform apparel subcategories based on an economic model of conditional demand. Expenditure equations are estimated using the 1990-1991 Consumer Expenditure Survey. The results suggest that, on average, consumers do not substitute uniforms for other apparel purchases. Rather, uniforms and nonuniform apparel appear to be complements in consumers’ purchases, resulting in greater household expenditures on nonuniform apparel. These results are a first step in understanding the economic effect that uniform purchases, mandated by employers, schools, or others, have on household clothing expenditures.”
Looking for more research on student achievement? Check out our write-ups on how teacher salaries, school vouchers and school shootings impact learning.
FAQs
Kids who were required to wear school uniforms tended to feel less close to teachers and classmates. So — for these 6300 kids — school uniforms didn't seem deliver any substantial psychological benefits. And that was true whether kids attended public or private schools.
Do school uniforms help improve student behavior and lessen peer pressure? ›
It can create an environment where discipline is emphasized.
Children in school uniforms may find it easier to stay focused on their studies, complete homework after school, build friendships, or prepare themselves for a vocational career.
Do school uniforms help students focus better in school? ›
Fewer tardies and distractions mean students who wear uniforms are able to devote more time to learning. School uniforms improve student performance by helping students focus on learning rather than fashion.
How do uniforms affect students mentally? ›
School uniforms have a positive impact on students' mental health. Studies show that uniforms reduce anxiety about appearance and promote self-confidence through a feeling of belonging. These findings are noteworthy in this day and age of social media, when children are constantly comparing themselves to others.
Why is it important to wear uniforms in school? ›
School uniforms may decrease violence and theft, prevent gang members from wearing gang colors and insignia at school, promote student discipline, help parents and students resist peer pressure, help students concentrate on their school work, and enable school officials to recognize school intruders.
How do uniforms affect our behavior expectations? ›
In general, students in schools that required school uniforms did not demonstrate better social skills, internalizing and externalizing behavior, or school attendance as compared with students in schools without school uniforms. These associations were true across both public and private schools.
How do uniforms help students in the future? ›
No matter what students wear at school, the day will come when they must prepare for college applications and job interviews. Therefore, wearing a school uniform during their early years helps students prepare for future professional situations.
What do most students think about school uniforms? ›
The vast majority of kids don't want to wear school uniforms. According to one districtwide survey in Volusia County, Florida, nearly 70 percent of students said they were against a uniform policy.
Does school dress code affect learning? ›
Dress code makes the students focus more on their lessons rather than their outfit. It lessens the judgments of the economic state of each individual. Dress codes affect the students in the sense that they keep a greater focus on learning, rather than showing off one's status through clothing.
Do school uniforms create unity? ›
Promotes School Spirit and a Sense of Belonging
It boosts morale and encourages students to do their best for the good of their school. School uniforms can also be used to promote a sense of school unity and school spirit.
However, schools attempt to get around this by implementing uniform policies that apply to all students. Uniforms restrict students' individuality, expression, and creativity. It is an unnecessary expense for students and their families, and, when subsidized, taxpayers.
Do school uniforms prevent bad behavior? ›
Ansari said school uniforms may not be the most effective way to improve student behavior and engagement. He adds the study even found a negative effect to uniforms.
Should uniforms be banned pros and cons? ›
Overview – 10 Top Pros and Cons of School Uniforms
| Pros of School Uniforms | Cons of School Uniforms |
|---|
| 2. Pro – Less Bullying in Schools | 2. Con – Lack of Freedom of Expression |
| 3. Pro – Saving Time in Mornings | 3. Con – Uniforms Teach Gender Norms |
| 4. Pro – Improves School Safety | 4. Con – Children Don't get to Exercise Free Choice |
7 more rowsHowever, the biggest issue of school uniforms that has been addressed so far is that they cause discomfort, mentally and physically. Some kids might have allergies to certain materials and the uniform might feel tight and/or rigid to them. This can increase their temper and can also affect their learning as well.
Do school uniforms affect academic performance? ›
Research shows that when schools implement a uniform policy, it improves grades, while it reduces tardiness, skipped classes and suspensions. One study showed that 70% of principals believed that mandated school uniforms reduced disciplinary problems at their schools.
Do uniforms reduce stress? ›
One aspect that many of researchers agree upon is that the introduction of a school uniform policy lowers stress for students who struggle with the choice of what to wear each day -- some because they strive to look a certain way, others because they worry about being judged.
Why do school uniforms restrict self expression? ›
Wearing a Uniform Limits Self-Expression
Kids and teens use they way they dress to express themselves and to identify with certain social groups. Many students who are against school uniforms argue that they lose their self-identity when they lose their right to express themselves through fashion.
What percentage of schools wear uniforms in the world? ›
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 20% of all public schools have adopted uniform mandates. Approximately 22% of elementary schools, 19% of all middle schools, and 10% of high schools currently require uniforms, and this trend continues to accelerate.
What are the advantages of not wearing a school uniform? ›
Students not wearing a school uniform can experiment with different clothing styles in order to find something that will suit them and their personas. Self-expression – that's the first advantage of not wearing a school uniform. Moreover, not being allowed to wear what you want causes all sorts of stress.
Why students should wear uniforms argumentative essay? ›
Students should be required to wear uniforms so that they can focus more on learning than on fashion, or on the hard decision of what to wear in the morning. Students wearing uniform cuts down bullying and improves discipline, helps promote focus, and save parents money throughout the school year.
Uniforms can delay a student's transition into adulthood
Uniforms deny the students an opportunity to learn how to make decisions for themselves. Teenagers often use clothes as a form of identity. Denying them an opportunity to develop their identity affects their development.
How do teachers feel about uniforms? ›
Teachers' views: While most teachers felt that national school uniforms are beneficial overall, they did bring up some issues. Again, the idea that students often find them “annoying,” came up. Uniforms, being standard, often may not work as well with different body types.
What percent of students think uniforms are uncomfortable? ›
The vast majority — 90 percent of students — reported that they disliked wearing uniforms.
Do uniforms improve students grades? ›
The researchers found that the highest-performing students are the most disciplined. In addition, “for countries where students wear school uniforms, our study found that students listen significantly better, there are lower noise levels, and lower teaching waiting times with classes starting on time.”
How do school uniforms help save time? ›
Saving Time
By purchasing standard uniform pieces you no longer need to rush from store to store and spend an entire weekend buying clothes. And when your child starts the school year, mornings will be less stressful because you don't need to spend time picking out what they'll wear that day.
Are dress codes a good idea for schools essay? ›
A dress code is important in schools because it can help to create a respectful and orderly environment. Uniforms can also help to identify students and promote school spirit. Dress codes can also help to prevent harassment and bullying.
Why do parents like school uniforms? ›
Parents all around the country curse back to school season because of the issues of shopping for clothes and the impending arguments about what to wear each day. Uniforms are cost-effective, they decrease stress levels, and they allow children (and teachers) to focus more on the school day.
Which argument about school uniforms would most likely appeal to an audience of taxpayers? ›
Which argument about school uniforms would most likely appeal to an audience of taxpayers? School uniforms will be costly, requiring the government to spend more.
Do students learn better without a dress code? ›
A study conducted by Education Partnership Incorporated found that while some researchers reported a positive correlation between stricter dress codes and academic achievements, others have found no correlation between the two.
What are the positive effects of dress code? ›
Dress codes enforce decorum and a serious, professional atmosphere conducive to success. Uniformly mandated dress codes promote safety. Dress codes promote inclusiveness and a comfortable, cooperative environment while eliminating individualistic attire that can distract from common goals.
Listed below are the pros and cons of a dress code in a public school.
- Pros: Limits Distractions in the Classroom. ...
- Can Prevent Rival Gangs from Fighting On Campus. ...
- Students Can Still Express Themselves. ...
- Cons: Doesn't Prevent Bullying. ...
- Hard to Find Dress Code Appropriate Clothing. ...
- Hard to Enforce the Dress Code Equally.
Impact on Self-Esteem
Proponents of uniforms report that they have a positive impact on student self-esteem. 2 Wearing the same clothing as everyone else means that students don't have to worry about whether their clothing choices will be acceptable to their peers.
Do uniforms prevent bullying? ›
School intervention programs (which includes school uniforms) are reported at reducing bullying by 30-50%
How do uniforms show school spirit? ›
School uniforms promote school spirit because they provide students with a sense of unity. This unity brings a bond that allows students to feel closer and more connected. Wearing similar clothing lets students feel united as well as brings a sense of pride in their appearance and their school.
Do uniforms improve behavior? ›
In general, students in schools that required school uniforms did not demonstrate better social skills, internalizing and externalizing behavior, or school attendance as compared with students in schools without school uniforms. These associations were true across both public and private schools.
What percent of kids dislike school uniforms? ›
Of the 1,634 responses gathered from parents, students and teachers, 52% of the respondents shared that they strongly dislike the current school uniform policy, with another 20% saying they don't like it. Another 12.7% said they don't mind the policy, ,while only 8.6% like it as it is.
Do uniforms improve work performance? ›
Being able to wear the appropriate clothing for the job will not only make the employees look professional, but they'll also be able to perform their tasks with much more confidence and vigor. This helps promote a better work environment and company culture where employees are motivated to work day in and day out.
Why school uniforms don t improve behavior? ›
“While uniforms are supposed to build a sense of community, they may have the opposite effect,” he said. “Fashion is one way that students express themselves, and that may be an important part of the school experience. When students can't show their individuality, they may not feel like they belong as much.”
What are three reasons why students should not wear school uniforms? ›
School uniforms restrict students' freedom of expression. School uniforms promote conformity over individuality. School uniforms do not stop bullying and may increase violent attacks. School uniforms do not improve attendance, academic preparedness, or exam results.
Why do school uniforms reduce bullying? ›
Proponents of school uniforms have argued that, among other things, they promote better attendance and a stronger sense of community, which results in less bullying and fighting.
The tradition began as a way to give schools a sense of identity and cohesion. School uniforms were meant to bring equality to the students regardless of their parents' wealth, says BBC. In the past several years, uniforms have become more modern.
Who invented school uniforms? ›
School uniforms are believed to be a practice which dates to the 16th century in the United Kingdom. It is believed that the Christ's Hospital School in England in 1552 was the first school to use a school uniform.
What are the disadvantages of wearing uniform at work? ›
Workplace Uniforms: Cons
- Uniforms suppress the individuality of the employees. They make everybody look the same, so the personal style of the employees is affected.
- Sometimes, uniforms can be uncomfortable. ...
- Unfortunately, uniforms are not free. ...
- Uniforms maintenance is always annoying.
Students develop a sense of belongingness when they wear uniforms. Furthermore, uniforms remove disparity among students and thereby promote a sense of unity. Almost all Indian schools have agreed to the fact that school uniforms are a must for all students.
What percentage of students hate school uniforms? ›
Of the 1,634 responses gathered from parents, students and teachers, 52% of the respondents shared that they strongly dislike the current school uniform policy, with another 20% saying they don't like it.
Do schools with uniforms do better? ›
Research shows that when schools implement a uniform policy, it improves grades, while it reduces tardiness, skipped classes and suspensions. One study showed that 70% of principals believed that mandated school uniforms reduced disciplinary problems at their schools.
Do school uniforms prevent bullying? ›
School intervention programs (which includes school uniforms) are reported at reducing bullying by 30-50%
What are advantages and disadvantages of wearing uniform? ›
Top 20 Pros and Cons of Wearing Uniforms at Work
| Pros or Benefits of Wearing Uniforms at Work | Cons or Disadvantages of Wearing Uniforms at Work |
| Advertising for the company | Hampered performance |
| Identity | Dress issues |
| Professional image | Prevents uniqueness |
| First impression | Negative reception |
7 more rowsThe research on school uniforms is often mixed. While some schools have found uniforms to be beneficial, other research has found that they have little effect. Some studies have even reached the conclusion that requiring school uniforms can be harmful for students.
What is the opinion of school uniforms? ›
Proponents suggest kids who wear school uniforms feel more connected to their school, encounter less bullying, and have a more professional attitude. All of these factors contribute to more positive behavior in the school.
Students should be required to wear uniforms so that they can focus more on learning than on fashion, or on the hard decision of what to wear in the morning. Students wearing uniform cuts down bullying and improves discipline, helps promote focus, and save parents money throughout the school year.
