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School uniforms are all the rage. But what exactly are we talking about? While many countries have adopted them for a long time, France seems to hesitate. However, all the establishments that impose the wearing of a regulation uniform see only advantages in it.
Uniforms at school: definition
What is a school uniform? What is the difference between a uniform and a dress code?
The Larousse says that the uniform is a "garment of regulation cut and color". At the school level, it is a garment whose wearing is imposed by the internal regulations during school time.
Uniform therefore refers to "uniform" clothing, identical and compulsory for a group. Within a school, the implementation of a regulatory dress code concerns more specifically the students.
Pleated skirt, Mao collar shirt...: at first glance, students wearing a uniform are identified as belonging to a particular school.
The dress code is more a set of rules governing the possibilities of dress without imposing any particular dress.
In which countries do people wear uniforms to school ?
In France, students in public schools do not wear uniforms. Napoleon had imposed it from 1802. It was abandoned in 1968.
Is this school uniform an old story? Not so much if we look at what is happening outside our borders. In fact, many countries continue toimpose a uniform on their students.
Of course, one immediately thinks of the United Kingdomwhere a very large majority of establishments, both public and private, have made this a rule. We can also mention many Asian countries: Cambodia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam...
Across the Atlantic, Mexico, Colombia and Brazil, for example, are countries where uniforms are de rigueur. The same is true in the Southern Hemisphere, in Australia and New Zealand.
Strong traditions that could inspire France and already inspire many private institutions.
Public school is free and compulsory. In fact, it is impossible to impose the wearing of uniforms on families.
Nevertheless, the question is regularly debated. Would the uniform allow us to recover the school of Jules Ferry? Some politicians seem to think so and even advocate its return. This was the case of Xavier Darcos in 2003, minister delegated to the School Education, in spite of the opposition of his supervising minister Luc Ferry.
More recently, in 2017, François Fillon, then a presidential candidate, and Jean-Michel Blanquer, Minister of National Education, were in favor of uniforms in public schools.
Things to remember: School uniforms are not mandatory in public elementary, middle and high schools, but they are not prohibited.
Similarly, in private institutions, this choice is left to the discretion of the management.
Private institutions that have adopted the use of regulation dress emphasize all its benefits and importance.
The question is legitimate: what is the purpose of a school uniform? Families, principals, teachers and even students will tell you that it is essential to create a sense of belonging. Not only to the school, but also to one's peers and teachers.
A factor of integration, the uniform also helps to fight against all forms of discrimination. It encourages solidarity and mutual aid. Thanks to the uniform, students learn the meaning of the group and live it fully.
On the pedagogical side, it accompanies the students in their learning by promoting a serene and studious climate.
No, student uniforms are not necessarily all made in China. You can choose uniforms made in France. With Uniforme Prestige, you can even have your personalized wardrobe made from scratch.
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