Books on school uniforms can aid people on both sides of the debate. While school safety advocates often tout only the benefits of school uniforms, the reality of school uniforms may not be so clear. The decision to create or dissolve a uniform policy needs thorough, unbiased research.
Available Books on School Uniforms
Finding books about the pros and cons of school uniforms can foster understanding and respect from both viewpoints. Learning the history of school uniforms and whether they are effective at reducing violence and peer pressure can help everyone decide which side of the debate they stand on.
David L. Brunsma Books
Two books by sociology professor David L. Brunsma provide a look at the history, research and evidence supporting school uniform policy. Uniforms in Public Schools: A Decade of Research and Debate provides an overview of uniform policy at the elementary and middle school level. The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us about American Education: A Symbolic Crusade covers the history of uniform debate, looks at anecdotal evidence and research to provide a look at the political and social realities driving the uniform debate in the United States.
Symbolic Clothing in Schools
Symbolic Clothing in Schools by Dianne Gereluk, a Senior Lecturer at Roehampton University's School of Education, offers a look at uniform policies from across the world. From France to the United States to Canada, Gereluk looks at uniforms from a political and social viewpoint. Chapter 1 (What Not to Wear: Dress Codes and Uniform Policies) and Chapter 3 (Limiting Free Speech in the United States) will be of special interest to anyone involved in the uniform debate in the U.S.
Teen Legal Rights: Third Edition
The book Teen Legal Rights: Third Edition by Kathleen A. Hempelman offers a look at laws and rules teenagers need to know. Chapter 2, titled At School, includes information regarding uniform policies and what, if anything, teenagers can do about a uniform policy. This chapter also covers general rights of students while on school property, exploring the differences between private and public school.
School Uniform Effectiveness
This book was written by J.R. Glenn and is available online through the nook app. If you don't own a Kindle, you can download the app for free on your phone or laptop. Glenn incorporates research into his book, lending facts to both sides of the school uniform argument. He also uses these facts to back up his opinions on the issue. He focuses on cost, student identity, individuality and status.
School Uniforms, Yes or No
School Uniforms, Yes or No was written by Bonnie Carole and looks at both the positive and negative aspects of the school uniform. It is aimed at younger readers ages six to eight years old and helps them understand both sides of the argument. The author also encourages readers to form opinions about whether or not uniforms are beneficial for students.
The Challenges of Mandating School Uniforms in Public Schools
This book was written by Todd A. Demitchell and Richard Fossey. It focuses on student's rights, general school policies and recent research on the supposed benefits of school uniforms. Although it covers both the pros and the cons of the uniform policy issue, the authors lean more toward the negative aspects of enforcing uniforms.
Effects of School Uniform on Self-esteem and Academic Performance
This book was written by Catherine Sempele and explores the impact school uniforms have on those who wear them, primarily focusing on adolescents. The author uses accounts from teachers, student and society in general when discussing both sides of the uniform policy argument. In particular, this book examines the impact uniforms have on students' self-esteem and academic accomplishments.
The Debate About School Uniforms 2018
The Debate About School Uniforms, written by Rachel Seigel, is aimed at readers who are 10 to 14 years old. This book looks at both sides of the school uniform debate and offers helpful facts, research and images. The author encourages readers to develop their opinion based on the arguments they find the most compelling.
As Much Information as Possible
Regardless of personal stance on the uniform debate, it is always helpful to have as much information as possible about any topic that will have a direct impact on children's education. The best way to convince anyone of a particular stance, especially when it comes to schools and education, is to know the topic inside and out. Do this by reading up on school uniforms in books by authorities on the subject.
