School Uniforms And Fashion

A lot of schools require school uniforms today. This is not only a good way of representing your school, but it can also “make you feel like you are part of a bigger picture, rather than standing out in a big school” (The Salem News). The discussion about the use of uniforms will never end. Kenway and Bullen argue that some kids do not mind the uniform because “You don’t get comments whether your shoes are Nike or Adidas” (Kenway, Bullen. 2001). But again, the school uniform represents the school, not you. What if you are not proud of being a part of your school? What If your parents could not afford to send you to a better school? Like a fifteen year old girl says in an interview “the private schools are really snobby and the rich people go there, the upper-class people, so we are just like the Hall scum. I suppose we are the poor people that can only afford the uniforms” (Kenway, Bullen 2001). Even fifteen years old kids think of economy and clothing, and for many families it is not “only” to afford a uniform. Has school uniforms become an expensive fashion? This year the London Fashion week showed off designer clothes shaped like school uniforms (Long C. 2012) You see the uniforms daily in many typical high school TV shows, and maybe one of the most popular one is ‘Gossip girl’. This TV show is about schooling, rich children and fashion. You get to see how the “cool, rich” kids wear their uniform. School uniforms have also always been associated with something sexy, with short and tight skirts and blouses.

In September ‘Newry Times’ wrote an article stating “School Uniforms must be affordable”. Sinn Fein MLA Mickey Brady stood up and talked about how expensive school uniforms could put many families under serve financial pressure. He also added that it is important that schools follow the guidance set out by the Department of Education and that Boards of Governors work to ensure that their school uniform is accessible to every family (Malone P. 2012). You can only imagine how it would feel like to be placed in a cheaper school because your parents could not afford better, and then you can imagine how this feels for the parents when they have problems buying a uniform to their child. ^

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Kenway, J. & Bullen, (2001). Consuming children: Education-Entertainment-Advertising. Buckingham: Open University Press. Chapter 5: Designer schools, packaged students.

Wadham, B. Pudsey, J. & Boyd, R. (2007). Culture and education. Sydney: Pearson Education. Chapter 1: What is culture?

Malone P. (17.09.2012) – School uniform must be affordable - Bradyhttp://newrytimes.com/2012/09/17/school-uniform-must-be-affordable-brady/

The Salem News – Benefits of School Uniformhttp://static.cnhi.zope.net/birmingham/metro/salemnews/school-year/article0014.html

London Fashion Week (2012)http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/9ea93aa4-009f-11e2-8197-00144feabdc0.html#axzz29MYhPb32