Why we dress code.

The What and Why? - Dress Codes

Dress codes have been a part of school curriculums for no shorter than centuries, created with the goals ranging from promoting equality within students to enhancing safety depending on the institution implementing it. It emerged with originally positive intent and influence on its students, but as years progressed, many have raised concerns and criticised the strict and malicious result reaping nature of dress codes in the educational sphere.

When were they introduced to schools?

Traces of the implementation of school uniforms can be dated back in the UK during the 16th century, the first known appearance being at Christ's Hospital School in 1552. Students wore a uniform with a blue coat and yellow knee-high socks. Years later in the 19th century, uniforms became a part of the English public school system to reflect discipline and conformity within schools.

Why was it introduced?

Schools often adopt strict dress codes with hopes to minimise classroom distractions, reduce the emphasis on socioeconomic disparities among students, maintain a level of safety by preventing the concealment of any drugs or weapons, and promote a professional atmosphere that “inspires success”. 

What is the criticism behind it?

Unfortunately for schools, despite the intentions behind strict dress codes, Implementing dress codes comes with some controversy. Dress codes are protested because they seem to imply the sexualization of girl's and women’s bodies, sometimes even suppressing individuality and the freedom of expression, which is becoming increasingly important to students worldwide. Strict dress codes can create a negative school environment where students feel judged and unwelcome which may lead to becoming self-conscious, overall also impacting mental health. 

So?

Right now, there is a growing movement directed towards a more equitable dress code standard. Some schools are trying to adopt gender-neutral policies. As a plus, there is also an increasing awareness of the need to respect cultural and religious attire in the education industry. 

In conclusion, dress codes were first introduced in schools as a way to promote their positive image and pave the way for their students, but it has been met with concerns regarding individuality and self-expression, negatively warping the images of female students, and overall affecting a student’s mental health with strict, judgmental nature.