School Uniform

I was reading a book written by Yolanda Chen, a Taiwanese woman who lived in Finland. Her kids were studying in English schools in the Nordic nation. Finland is famous for its education system. Finnish students persistently rank top in international exams. Finnish students do not wear uniform in school. According to Chen, this may have to do with the nation’s history. Uniform conjures up totalitarian rule of Russia in the past.

Like their counterparts in Finland, American students also do not wear uniform. Thailand, on the other hand, goes the other extreme. In the Land of Smile, even university students have to don uniform.

Malaysia takes the middle-way. Primary students and secondary students wear uniform.

I am probably a bit conservative on this topic. I believe that uniform has certain benefits. Imagine this: a student from a well-off family – let’s say her name is Ann - goes to school in branded outfits, and shows off to her friends. Jealous of Ann, another girl – named April – returns home and tells her mother, “Mum, I want Guess jeans for my Christmas!” Such scenario is less likely to happen if uniform is a rule.

However, I do think that uniform is not suitable for tertiary institution. At their age, undergraduates should be given the freedom to express themselves through fashion. Of course, they should adhere to some forms of dress codes. Revealing dress is no-no in classrooms, and students should wear shoes inside laboratories.

So, what do you think? Should students wear uniform?

Japan’s high school uniform: nice, huh?