School Uniform Colonialism

School uniforms are not universally utilized throughout the world. In fact, across the globe people of color are significantly more likely to attend a school that mandates uniforms. Given this, one might postulate that communities of color value school uniforms and therefore, utilize them more often. This paper will suggest that this is not the case and demonstrate the role that colonialism and systemic oppression play in the widespread use of uniforms on students of color. This is increasingly problematic as it sends implicit messages to children about their ability to make decisions and their place in society. I will analyze the global and local patterns that exist with regards to school uniforms particularly the trends found in Japan, …show more content…
Low-income children often wore school uniforms; however there was a common desire to distinguish top scholars from common folk. Elite families constructed a uniform unique to their social class and this uniform was frequently used in upper class regions of Europe. However, in wealthier communities uniforms were not represented through colors or even a unified commitment to a specific article of clothing; it meant the elite could wear robes to formal occasions. (Hargreaves-Mawdsley, 1963). Soon after, there was a momentum for the children of elite scholars to distinguish themselves in academic settings via a uniform. Many elite private schools utilized school uniforms as a symbol of superiority. They wore expensive blazers, dress shoes, and fancy blouses. While both socioeconomic classes utilized school uniforms the rationale behind uniform usage quickly changed. The narrative that surfaced was that uniforms supported children to maintain focus and discipline in school. This idea dramatically altered uniform policies and uniforms were increasingly utilized throughout communities of …show more content…
Furthermore, the United States widely adopted school uniforms just the year before Japanese policy called for it. This would further explain why Japan is a country of power and wealth yet, their schools widely utilize school uniforms. It is apparent that colonialism is a reason as to why specifically students of color around the globe continue to wear school uniforms with high frequency. While it is clear the impact that United States had on the Japanese school system, it is equally important to acknowledge the affect Britain had on the United States Uniform