Experiences and Opinions of Academic Stakeholders on School Uniforms Reflecting the Poverty and Inequality Problems: An Analysis Based on the Symbolic Violence Approach

Abstract

Are school uniforms being the cause of symbolic violence that affects poverty and inequality in Thailand? is the question that this research determines to answer. The data was collected through interviews with relevant stakeholders including 3 teachers and school administrators, 7 parents, and 3 students to obtain their experiences and opinions towards the school uniforms. The study found that 1) The majority of parents, teachers, and school administrators support school uniforms. 2) School uniforms are inadequate among the poor.           3) The existing Government welfare scheme is insufficient to cover the actual expenses of school uniforms. 4) Most teachers, school administrators, and parents believe that school uniforms are useful and necessary. 5) Parents who support school uniforms are afraid of change and are concerned that their children would spend money excessively on clothes. 6) Urban parents are concerned that their children would not be socially accepted if school uniforms were not mandatory. 7) The school uniforms are not only hiding inequality but also create inequality. 8) The school uniforms are the cause of symbolic violence, and a tool in the “Strategy for eliminating competitors”, which is used to prevent poor children from accessing educational opportunities. The solution is to have a “free school uniform welfare provided by the state” to cover all costs of school uniforms.