School uniforms have been worn since the 16th century, but in recent years they have sparked increasing debate. Proponents argue that uniforms promote equality, foster a sense of community, and reduce bullying among children. Meanwhile, opponents find them expensive because parents, unlike a dress code where they can choose certain clothing themselves, are obliged to buy only the uniform. It is also called old-fashioned, because they believe that children should be able to express themselves freely through their clothing. But what will be the effect of the school uniform in 2024? Recent research gives us the answer.
France and school uniforms
After years of discussion, the French government finally decided to start the experiment with national school uniforms. Schools could volunteer for this and the first schools have already started with it.
According to French President Macron and his wife Brigitte, uniforms offer many benefits. They are said to eliminate differences between children and save time in the morning. The first argument is particularly used by proponents. This is not surprising, as scientific research has shown that school uniforms positively influence children’s behavior and engagement. However, a caveat must be noted. This research (source: Illinois State University
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED458695) was conducted in 1999, and society looked very different back then.
Income and freedom of movement
Therefore, a similar study (source: Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0885200621001162?via%3Dihub) was conducted in 2011. It examined student behavior when they wore uniforms and when they did not. This research found that uniforms did not influence student behavior. Only children from poorer families were more likely to attend school when wearing a uniform than when they did not, but this was only a small percentage. The contrast between the two studies shows how children’s thinking and behavior can change over twelve years.
While twenty years ago, the focus was mainly on group behavior of students in uniform, today’s focus is much more on gender equality and diversity.
In July 2024, a research report (source: University of Cambridge, Newcastle and Australia, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254624000206) was published on the influence of school uniforms on physical activity and the role that gender plays in this. The research was conducted in 135 regions and countries. It found that girls aged 6 to 12 are less active than boys of the same age when they wear a uniform. This is because the design, often a uniform with a skirt, makes them feel uncomfortable enough to move freely. The girls were much more active in their own leisure clothes. Interestingly, this difference is greater in higher-income countries than in countries with lower average incomes.
Changing school uniforms
The world has changed a lot and it is not surprising that school uniforms have changed along with it. Therefore, the French government has decided to make the clothing packages gender-neutral. Each child receives five polo shirts, two sweaters, and two pants. This prevents girls from moving less and children with different gender identities from feeling excluded.
When that happens, the uniform becomes the goal. When equality in school should be the goal. Because if it doesn’t start there, where does it start?
