Chapter 71 Question 063

Why do many schools require students to wear school uniforms? Many people believe that being able to wear whatever clothes you want is a basic human right.But when they had school-age children, the same people began to approve of school uniforms.Why does the school make this request?Why do so many parents support this approach? If students are free to choose what they wear, they must take into account the implied information they convey to others.For example, if someone wanted to convey the message that she was a bold girl, she might dress surprisingly boldly.If someone wanted to appear successful and in control, they might wear extra expensive clothes.But words such as bold and precious express relative meanings.If many students start wearing clothes that reflect these norms, the norms themselves will change.Like the horns of a bull elk, it won't be long before there is an expensive dress-up contest among the students.

Clearly, the requirement to wear a school uniform limits the ability of students to express themselves.But its advantage is that it reduces the monetary and emotional costs that students spend on clothing competitions.