Uniforms in Public Schools: A Decade of Research and Debate

(Paperback)

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Contrary to some of the nation's most prominent newspapers, politicians and educational administrators, and the evening news, there is absolutely nothing simplistic and straightforward about the current movement to uniform public school students in the United States. The debate over whether to require uniforms is highly controversial, undeniably complex, and, from the analyses and arguments presented in this book, unquestionably rooted in multifaceted social, political, legal, cultural, racial material, and educational structures.

Much of the empirical research on school uniform policies' effectiveness has remained in dissertation and/or policy brief formats. This book provides an antidote to the ungrounded, anecdotal components that define the contemporary conversation regarding policies of standardized dress in American K-12 districts and schools. The contributors draw upon years of educational teaching and administrative experience, as well as research directed at objectively and empirically understanding the issue of school uniform policies elementary and middle schools. Uniforms in Public Schools is of the utmost importance for those who wish to be informed and insightful participants in the contemporary debate on school uniform policies.

Reviews

Brunsma and his contributors provide empirical research and other studies about whether students learn better when they are all dressed alike, and whether requiring uniforms impacts students' abilities to perform as individuals and as members of their communities. * Reference and Research Book News *

Author Bio

David L. Brunsma is an assistant professor of sociology and black studies at the University of MissouriColumbia.