Should School Uniform Be Mandatory? (Argumentative Essay (2) First Draft)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                09.05.2014

                                                                                                  Deniz Yeşilyurt

                                                                                                                 

                                            Should School Uniform Be Mandatory? 

   Clothing plays an important role in social and cultural life. Uniform which is a part of clothing is a necessary thing in life. It stands for formality in work life. It is the symbol of formality not only in work life but also in school life. If free clothes are worn in the school instead of uniform, it can cause disintegration of order in the school. Therefore, school uniform should be mandatory in the schools. School uniform is a significant factor for discipline in the school, discrimination among students and a sense of identity.

   First of all, school uniform is the first condition for discipline in the schools. Some people say that school uniform should not be compulsory in the schools. However, researches show that uniform is an important factor for discipline. Peter Caruso researched positive effects of uniform for school in 1996 and he explained that school uniform minimizes discipline problems. Also, uniform improves relations between teachers and students. Researches show that students are more respectful toward teachers when they wear uniform. When they are in uniform, they feel ready to start their duties. As a result, uniform makes a positive contribution for discipline of schools and students’ attendance in lesson.

   Second, school uniforms prevent discrimination between wealthy students and poor students. If students do not wear uniforms, it can cause some problems. For example, poor students cannot wear different clothes everyday while wealthy students wear. It causes that poor students have negative emotions toward the wealthy. Proponents of free clothes in the schools claim that students should be allowed to express themselves by wearing clothes that students decide. It is not a way of expressing themselves. They can express themselves in different ways such as singing, writing poetries. At the same time, it causes unnecessary affectations among students. Thanks to school uniforms, these negative things can prevent and students focus on their own works.

   Third, uniforms give students a sense of identity. Some people say that free clothes are important factor for children to have identity. Students are representatives of their schools in uniform. Uniform shows people that students are part of a school. When wearing uniform, people can distinguish students according to their uniforms. Also, teachers can recognize their own students with uniform. If students wear clothes that they want, teacher cannot find out who is the guilty when teachers come across an event. For example, when a student who studies in a different school breaks the window of school, he/she cannot be caught because of his/her free clothes. If students put on uniform, teachers can find the guilty easily. Therefore, uniforms should be compulsory.

    In conclusion, school uniforms have benefits both students and schools. Wearing uniform is an important factor to provide discipline, prevent discrimination among students and have a sense of identity. Therefore, school uniforms should be mandatory in the schools. If students continue putting on uniform, they will not spend time for their clothes and will be aware of their tasks. As a result of this, success of school and students’ success will increase.