A Study on Dress Code for College Students

Abstract

Students are generally identified about their level of education and affiliation from their uniform or formal dress since ages. Dress code for college students has always been a controversial issue among the various stakeholders. On one side, Institutions want to have dress code policies for maintaining a healthy learning environment and on the other side face opposition from the students and their parents, who consider it as a meaningless restriction on them. This exploratory study and literature review will examine the perceived benefits and disadvantages of having uniforms for college students with special reference to students pursuing their studies in business management. An exploratory study was conducted to have an in-depth knowledge about the topic. Five institutions in a major city were selected as samples through non-probability sampling design. The five institutions represented a National Institution, an autonomous institution and three other private colleges which are known for their reputation. Both students & teachers were selected using non-probability purposive sampling technique. The study is both quantitative as well as qualitative. The arguments used in the design include both deductive and inductive reasoning. The main research findings show that majority of the students believe that uniform incorporates discipline among them, it brings down the chances of discrimination among students belonging to different economic strata in society and above all, and it will develop their personality to suit the corporate world. There was also a strong feeling among the students that wearing the same uniform for a long time is very boring.