The employment of uniforms into schools, be it for the public of private schools has been both a new topic for many, as well as a new notion as well. Around the world, many pupils have been wearing their own schools’ uniforms for centuries and continue to do so with variations arising every few years to keep the “brand” continuous.
As children make their way back to school after their summer holidays, they put on these uniforms which tell the public which schools they belong to and to give a name to a face. You ask why? Because they are appealing and loaded with historical meaning and ideological messages about the wearer’s status.
The early idea of uniforms was established in England in 1222, and back then students wore what was known as the “cappa clausa”. Thereafter the modern uniform emerged during the 16th century and began the wave of uniformity amongst private and public schools. When the former came about, they were very formal and students wore cloaks and stockings some dubbed the name of “blue cloak” schools because of this. Learn more about this rich history online.
Besides this, there is an assortment of advantages to kids wearing uniforms. Things such as a sense of safety, or less peer pressure, the abolishment of hierarchy, and a sense of community, are all in play once you wear that item of clothing.
The Branding of Uniforms
School uniform advocates are very aware of the branding advantage school uniforms bring which is why there is still a need for these services in some parts of the world. While not typically viewed in the same way as a luxury item, the school attire such as this here https://www.ablecresting.com/branded-uniforms/private-school-uniforms, takes on more of a humble position in being a representation of the quality and reputation of the establishment worn through its attendees.
For some this brings a sense of pride, knowing that they belong to a place that is known for its high-quality, but for others, it is a debatable topic. Take for example parents of Australian children, usually place more emphasis on education rather than attire. Most of their schools have uniforms but also emphasize on the quality of education.
Even though public schools have this option, it is hard to ignore the fact that private schools use it to associate it as a more exclusive institution. According to the Victorian State Government Advisory Guide, they state that it not only enhances the identity of the school but it also does the same for the student and their profile.
More parents nowadays choose to send their kids to private schools. Whether schools are using their branded clothing as a marketing idea or as a historical or cultural one, we will never know. One thing is clear, this idea has been seen to build a kind of self-identity between the pupils who may or may not see it as a “luxury” item and bring a sense of pride to them.
Scholars have noted that luxury items have been a big part of the economic status of many countries and are an asset for any institution which has had many positive outcomes for both individuals and society.
Each to His Own
Some schools have not yet adopted this policy and wear plain clothing where their colors resemble what the building stands for. However, parents have been encouraging these schools to adopt this idea so that one can differentiate.
Back when the British school system was first recognized throughout the world, the colonial administrators sought to incorporate this for purposeful meaning and firmly held strong beliefs about it, adding that pride and honor were amongst those things that uniforms represent.
In the 21st century, it all depends on the school and the ideologies it follows. Not all will see this item of clothing as useful or important, but there are still a few that abide by it and will continue to keep the tradition for a long time. Click here to find out more about this.
Now, they have changed to be more “gender-neutral”, so it may no longer be dresses and skirts for girls and pants or trousers for boys. We are stepping into an era where everyone feeds on equality and no one wants to be placed into a box, labeling them as one thing or the other. Society feels the need to see everyone as equal, and clothing is a big part of that too.
Given the brand power of this attire and the many scholarly articles written around the psychology of it, just like the one here, https://archive.attn.com/stories/2919/psychology-behind-school-uniforms it may take a while for schools to implement this idea and is still a questionable standpoint for some to take especially in the educational establishment where the whole idea behind attending a school is to be taught all the fundamentals of life itself. however, some see society and their environment as a teacher. To each his own, we say.
In conclusion, whether this idea of branded clothing will be implemented in all schools regardless of their status, is yet to be seen. We think the majority of parents who send their kids to private schools with branded attire, seem to be quite proud of them and like the idea. Which means it may just be around for another couple of decades.
Debates have been going on for centuries but there is a big world out there and to change one may not mean the rest will follow suit, especially in a sector such as this where some of the most prestigious and noble people are derived from. Of course, people should be applauded for thinking out of the box on whether such a thing as a uniform policy will help or hinder a child’s education. These kinds of things should always be up for discussion in any institution.
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