Countries where uniforms are the norm
The list of countries where uniforms are worn is long, much longer than the list of countries where they are not. It includes Ireland, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Malta, Australia, New Zealand, Lebanon, the Republic of Congo, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, India, China, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Brazil, etc. It's worth noting that countries such as Ireland, Malaysia, the Republic of Congo, Cyprus and Japan have made school uniforms compulsory. Others, like the United Kingdom, follow the tradition, like Canada and the United States, where uniforms are more common in some public schools.
Even in France, where the defenders and critics of the uniform are inveighing against each other via interposed debates, the school uniform is the norm. Let's not forget overseas French territories, where uniforms are the norm (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and New Caledonia). In mainland France, uniforms are worn in military establishments, Legion of Honour educational establishments, and some vocational colleges.
Freedom to dress casually
The crises of 1968 put an end to the compulsory wearing of uniforms in France. Until then, the white uniform was facing resistance in many public and private establishments. Since then, freedom has prevailed. Uniforms are sometimes associated with dark periods in history. This is the case in Germany, where the uniform, reminiscent of the Hitler Youth, disappeared at the end of the 1980s. However, it is gradually coming back in some schools. In Hungary and Bulgaria, the uniform is reminiscent of the Communist period. In Spain and Italy, public schools are opting for uniforms. We can see that there is a great deal of flexibility in Europe, with some (often private) institutions opting for uniforms, and others preferring to allow students to choose their own clothing. However, the second configuration prevails over the first.
Is the school uniform a means of social integration?
Should uniforms be normalized in schools? The question is, of course, of interest to expat families with children. According to the French President, the uniform is supposed to bring people together and eliminate inequalities.
Pros of wearing a uniform
The quest for equality among students is one of the main advantages of wearing uniforms. Dressing in the same way helps eliminate disparaging remarks about style, wearing branded clothing, etc. Dressing uniformly also strengthens solidarity among students.
Critics point out that children need strong markers. They also grow up as part of a group. According to them, children also seek to belong to a group. This search for belonging is essential and is also observed among teenagers and young adults. Here, as well, the uniform is expected to reduce inequalities. The neutral appearance instilled by the uniform would encourage deeper relationships, team spirit, discipline, communication and respect. Students are more quickly aware that they belong to a school and are all part of the school. Wearing a uniform leads to greater respect for public property and a greater sense of responsibility.
Lastly, sorting through clothes is no longer an issue when you wear a school uniform. The uniform is practical, remains the same all year round, and is available in summer and winter versions. This saves money and time for everyone.
Cons of wearing a uniform
Skeptics argue that while uniforms promote social cohesion, they do not end inequalities. They are just expressed differently. Firstly, skeptics point out that uniforms can be costly for families. There may be subsidies available, but these don't always take into account the total cost of the uniform.
Furthermore, a year is a long period. A few uniforms are not always enough for the whole school year. Due to a lack of financial means, younger siblings wear uniforms that are no longer used by their elder siblings. While these uniforms are still wearable, they also show wear and tear. Students who wear used uniforms are often bullied and can be labeled "poor", just like students who don't wear branded clothes.
Another downside of wearing a uniform is that it encourages sexism. In Japan, for example, organizations regularly report the requirement for girls to wear skirts. Skirts are widespread in many countries that have adopted the uniform. As well as being impractical for playing in the playground and having freedom of movement, skirts reflect an old-fashioned view of gender differences. In 2021, India opted for a unisex outfit. Trousers are now compulsory for both girls and boys.
What about freedom of dressing?
What about freedom? At a time when clothing is so much more than just fabric, critics point out that it is just as important for children to maintain their individuality. Clothing is a simple and powerful means of expressing one's identity. Children may belong to a group, but they are, first and foremost, a person in their own right. There is still a long way to go before the critics come together.
Some suggest a different approach: yes to the uniform, only to promote the country's culture. This is the choice made by Ghana, which, since 2021, has abandoned the uniform inherited from the British colonial era in favor of a uniform that promotes African culture. Some regions of Nigeria have already adopted school uniforms that reflect 100% African culture.
