Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 5(4): 571-576

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(ISSN: Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 5(4):571-576 (ISSN:2141-6990)
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Effects of Societal Perceptions towards School Uniform on

Learners’ Self Esteem and Academic Performance

Sempele Catherine, Wamalwa Chrispinus and kisilu Kitainge

University of Eldoret
Corresponding Author: Sempele Catherine
___________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
One creates impressions about the self through both self-perceptions and feedback from the society. The
objective of this study was to investigate the effects of societal perceptions towards school uniform on learners’
self-esteem and academic performance. This was deemed significant because the way in which society perceives
a learner in school uniform is likely to influence the development of the child’s self esteem and general
academic performance. The null hypotheses: - there is no significant difference between school uniform and
learners’ self-esteem and academic performance as perceived by the male and female parents guided this study.
The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Two hundred and forty eight parents of pupils
attending public primary schools in Marigat division of Baringo County were randomly identified as
participants in the study. Researcher administered questionnaires were used to collect the information required.
The mean, percentages and frequencies were computed using SPSS then presented descriptively using tables.
The correlation and independent t-test analyses were used to determine the relationship and difference in
perception between the male and female parents’ towards the study variables. The analysis gave no statistically
significant differences in perception by gender on the effects of school uniform on learners’ self-esteem and
academic performance. However, both the male and female parents significantly related self-esteem to learners’
academic performance. Parents consider school uniform salient for school going children although they don’t
believe it does significantly influence learners’ self esteem and academic performance. However, they believe
that self esteem does significantly influence learners’ academic performance. The researchers recommend that
school uniform be made mandatory so as to facilitate uniformity and instil discipline among learners since this is
likely to boost the quality of education in the country.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Keywords: school uniform, self-esteem, academic performance, societal perceptions, body image
_________________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION of societal perceptions towards school uniform on
Physical attractiveness greatly influences one’s body learners’ self-esteem and general academic
image perception; an important contributor to the performance. The hypotheses; there is no significant
development of one’s self-esteem (Kaiser, 1997; difference between school uniform and learners’ self-
Lennon, 1990). Studies have shown clothing as esteem and academic performance as perceived by
significant in the role of increasing pre-adolescent’s the male and female parents guided this study.
self-worth (Kaiser, 1997; Maiyo, 2004). It is
important that pupils are dressed decently and in This study was grounded in the theoretical
school uniform they appreciate. Going by the recent framework of symbolic interaction, which according
‘mini skirt’ debate in Kenya, it is important that all to Blumer (1986) deals with the study of group life
stakeholders in the education sector get involved and conduct. The author characterizes symbolic
when decisions on school uniforms are made. interactionism as a product of: - human interaction,
Attention should be given to what society perceives interpretation and response through the use of
as appropriate for school children. Pupils’ views symbols. He asserts that societal interactions enable
towards their school uniform should be sought human beings to attach meaning and draw
although they may not make the final decision. This conclusions regarding others based on the symbols
is because other factors like trends in fashion and perceived (Griffin, 1997). Symbolic interaction was
peer influence may greatly inform their opinions. deemed a suitable guide for this study because
Pupils in neat and attractive school uniform feel wearing or not wearing school uniform triggers
confident and at ease while indulging in regular individual-based meaning for the pupils and the
school and societal activities (Thomas, 2004; society. Both the perceived and the perceiver attach
Viadero, 2005; Wolfe, 2009). Hence, the their own meaning towards the school uniform worn.
government’s directive ruling out mandatory primary These conclusions affect the way those perceived
school uniform may have a negative influence on the view and feel about themselves. This in turn affects
development of learners’ self-esteem. The purpose the way they behave and associate within the society.
of this study therefore was to investigate the effects

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 5(4):571-576 (ISSN:2141-6990)

This outcome may function to influence other student primary schools in the Division. Two thousand four
outcomes like self esteem (Ryan and Ryan, 1998; hundred and seventy nine parents correspond to the
Shook, 1996; Thomas, 2004; Viadero, 2005), school total number of pupils in classes 5, 6, 7 and 8
discipline (NAESP, 2000; Viadero, 2005), academic attending public primary schools in the division. One
achievement (Bodine, 2003; Million, 1996), self and parent or guardian for each of these pupils was
school pride (NAESP, 2000) and self confidence considered suitable to participate in the study hence
(Murray, 2002). However, the current study only the accessible population of 2,479 parents. Pupils in
looked at the influence of societal perceptions these classes are in their adolescence stage of growth
towards school uniform on learners’ self esteem and and development; hence take a keen interest on their
general academic performance. appearance (Basso, 2003).

The findings of this study may be generalised with To arrive at the proposed sample size, the researchers
caution given that individual’s perceptions do identified parents of these particular pupils as
change. This may be influenced by factors like participants for this study. They were deemed
change in time and the environmental context in suitable because the researchers believed that they
which the study was carried out. Further, perceptions clearly understood the experiences their children go
may not be founded on facts and may not be based on through regarding their physical appearance
an equal standard of measurement. particularly in school uniform as a result of their
daily interactions. A study sample of 248 parents
MATERIALS AND METHODS was thus randomly selected from the accessible
The study adopted the descriptive survey design population of 2,479 parents. Researcher administered
aimed at investigating the effects of societal questionnaires were used to collect data from the
perceptions towards school uniform on learners’ self- respondents. The questionnaires had both open and
esteem and academic performance. This design was closed ended questions to allow for in-depth
chosen because according to Mugenda and Mugenda collection of information based on the objectives of
(2003) it allows the researcher to use members of a the study. A pilot study was carried out among 25
population in collecting data that may be used in parents of class 5, 6, 7 and 8 pupils from one of the
determining the current status of that population with public primary schools in the division who were not
respect to one or more variables. The study was included in the study sample. Qualitative data derived
conducted in Marigat Division, one of the three from the open-ended questions was categorized into
divisions of Marigat District. Marigat division falls themes while the quantitative data was assigned
under the midlands agro-ecological zone mainly numerical values for analysis. The Statistical Package
inhabited by the agro-pastoralists. Rainfall here is for Social Sciences (SPSS) was then used to analyze
inadequate for crop farming. Being a semi-arid and the quantitative data. The attitude scale responses
arid region, Marigat division has experienced were scored in such a way that the SA and A
increased poverty levels over the years. responses earned 5 and 4 points respectively with D
and SD earning 2 and 1 points respectively. Neutral
Baringo County contributes about 1.32% to the responses scored 3 points. A mean score of 3 and
national poverty level (BDDP, 2008). By the year above denoted a positive influence of perceptions
2000 about 62% of the population was reported to be towards school uniform on the variables stipulated
food poor with the most poor encompassing the whereas scores below 3 denoted a negative influence.
pastoralists, small-scale farmers, female-headed Frequency and percentage tables were generated from
households and children who include HIV and AIDS these summaries for ease in comprehension and
orphans. These factors in one way or the other interpretation and to facilitate the generation of
influence parents’ ability to provide basic needs that inferences. The correlation and t-test analyses were
include security, food and clothing for their families. used to determine the relationship and difference in
School uniform is an important component of mean by gender for the different variables of the
clothing given that it is worn at least five (71%) out study.
of seven days of the week qualifying it as a basic
need for school going pupils. Despite the challenges RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
that parents face in the process of trying to meet their Characteristics of respondents
parental obligations, pupils’ self-concept and body The parents sample comprised of 53% (n = 114) male
image remains salient since they are likely to and 47% (n =102) female respondents.
influence the development of learners’ self-esteem
and general academic performance. More than half 55% (n = 118) of the parents were not
employed. Out of the percentage of those parents that
The target population comprised of parents of pupils were employed, 22% (n = 48) were employed as
attending public primary schools in Marigat division. teachers, 9% (n = 20) were police officers, 4% (n = 9)
The accessible population comprised of 2,479 parents were farmers, 2% (n =5) were nurses with the
of pupils in class 5, 6, 7 and 8 attending public

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 5(4):571-576 (ISSN:2141-6990)

watchmen, drivers and cooks representing at least 1% earnings. Thirty one percent fulfilled this obligation
of the remaining employees each. by utilizing income obtained from other earnings as
they did not earn any salary.
Twenty three (23%) (n = 49) of the parents were not
able to meet their parental obligations with only 18% Respondents Perceptions towards Attributes on
(n = 39) being able to provide for their family needs. School Uniform by Gender
Furthermore, parents who could afford to buy school A higher percentage of male parents (at least 84%)
uniform for their children from salary alone were a found these 10 attributes related to school uniform
paltry 18% whereas another 28% managed only when satisfactory compared to at least 70% of the female
they supplemented their salary with other earnings. respondents as indicated in Table 1. Further, an
This confirms the high levels of poverty in the region overwhelmingly 99% of the male and 93% of the
as noted in the 2002-2008 District Development Plan. female parents agreed that school uniform should be
The report put the number of people living in a must for school-going pupils. The attribute ‘instils
absolute poverty in the region as 10,248 in the urban responsible behaviour in learners’ was more
and 154,250 in the rural setting. According to the important to 96% female and 93% male parents.
DDP report, Baringo County contributed 1.32% to ‘Creates uniformity among learners’ and ‘ensures
the poverty level in the country. The study’s findings peace of mind for learners regarding their
agreed with this report indicating that a majority of appearance’ were least important to 70% female
the population 55% were unemployed with the 45% parents. Both male and female respondents agreed
that were employed being in low salaried forms of that school uniform remains salient for primary
employment. Further, parents who could afford to schools and those pupils’ views should be sought
buy school uniform for their children from salary when making decisions regarding school uniform.
alone were 18% whereas another 28% managed only
when they supplemented their salary with other

Table 1: Distribution of parents’ views towards attributes related to school uniform by gender

Parents’ views towards school uniform attributes (%) Distribution of respondents

Males (n = 114) Females (n = 102)

Not True True Not True True

Makes identification of learners easy 14 86 23 77
Should be a must for all pupils 01 99 07 93
Ensures peace of mind for learners regarding their appearance
11 89 30 70
Portrays the school image 16 84 13 87
Learners do not have adequate pairs of school uniform
11 89 15 85
Enables learners to get assistance easily incase of need
11 89 26 74
Creates uniformity among learners 06 94 14 86
Instills responsible behavior in learners 07 93 04 96
Should be provided by the government 11 89 25 75
Pupils views should be considered when making decisions on school
uniform 05 95 09 91
N = 216
Not true = 1 and True = 2
‘give learners a sense of belonging’ were important
Respondents’ Perceptions towards Attributes on attributes to over 80% of both the male and female
Self-Esteem By Gender parents as shown in Table 2. All 10 attributes were
Self-esteem may be influenced by either the personal important to at least 69% of both the male and female
or societal perceptions of the self. The attribute respondents.
‘learners are not discriminated against’ was most
popular of all ten attributes to both the female (96%) It is interesting to note that a lower percentage of the
and male (94%) parents. Female parents (98%) male parents approved most of these 10 attributes on
strongly felt that pupils relied more on school self-esteem compared to the female parents. Based on
uniform for a sense of belonging compared to (89%) this study’s findings, female parents seem to believe
of the male parents. The attributes ‘makes learners more on the influence of school uniform on the
feel smart’, ‘learners are not discriminated against’, development of learners’ self-esteem compared to
‘learners become more responsible’, ‘learners their male counterparts. According to the researchers,
develop a positive attitude toward themselves’ and this may be attributed to the fact that ladies give more

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 5(4):571-576 (ISSN:2141-6990)

attention to their physical appearance than men. They According to Kaiser (1997), one’s physical
are generally more conscious of how they appear and appearance greatly influences their self-worth which
how other people perceive them. This in turn in turn influences their self-esteem.
determines how worthy they feel about themselves.

Table 2: Distribution of parents’ views towards attributes on self-esteem by gender

(%) Distribution of respondents

Parents’ views on self-esteem attributes Males Females
(n = 114) (n = 102)
D A D A

Makes learners feel smart 04 96 14 86

Learners are not discriminated against 06 94 04 96
Makes learners appreciate their body image more
11 89 25 75
Learners become more responsible 16 84 20 80
Makes learners feel confident 14 86 21 79
Learners develop a positive attitude towards themselves
15 85 13 87
Gives learners a sense of belonging 11 89 02 98
Gives learners an increased spirit 12 88 26 74
Gives learners a sense of pride 25 75 25 75
Makes learners feel worthy 16 84 31 69
N = 216
D = Disagree and A = Agree
Forty eight percent of the female parents were not
Respondents’ Perceptions towards Attributes on satisfied with the fact that school uniform helped in
Academic Performance by Gender promoting discipline in school. Forty two percent
According to Murray (2002), school uniform does were satisfied school uniform enhanced learners’
increase learners learning attitudes and pride towards school attendance patterns. Over 50% males were
their school through environmental enhancement. An satisfied with all 10 attributes related to academic
overwhelming 90% of the male parents in the current performance compared to 50% of the female
study were satisfied that school uniform helped respondents who were satisfied with only 8 out of the
improve the learning environment compared to 74% 10 attributes.
of their female counterparts as shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Parents’ perceptions towards attributes related to academic performance by gender

(%) Distribution of respondents

Males Females
Attributes related to academic performance (n = 114) (n = 102)
Ns S Ns S
Keeps intruders away from school 13 87 23 77
Promotes school discipline 22 78 48 52
Boosts concentration in class work 17 83 34 66
Improve the learning environment 10 90 26 74
Saves money for school supplies 29 71 50 50
Promotes regular school attendance 30 70 58 42
Boosts participation in school activities 11 89 29 71
Saves time to be spent in learning 28 72 31 69
Removes undue stress of deciding what to wear
48 52 76 24
Removes economic and social disparities among pupils
33 67 45 55
n = 216
NS = Not Satisfied and S= Satisfied
of school uniform on learners’ self-esteem and
The Influence of Perceptions by Gender on Major academic performance. The mean scores obtained
Study Variables were based on the Likert scale with a range of 5 =
A t-test analysis was carried out to determine the strongly agree, 4 = agree, 3 = neutral, 2 = disagree
difference by gender on perceptions towards effects and 1 = strongly disagree. The t-values showed no

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Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 5(4):571-576 (ISSN:2141-6990)

significant difference by gender for parents’ With school uniform, learners are likely to feel
perceptions towards the effects of school uniform on similar and equal to the other pupils in the same
learners’ self-esteem (t = -0.24, p = 0.811) and school. Issues related to appearance differences and
academic performance (t = 0.760, p = 0.448). The t- other people’s perceptions towards children will be of
test analysis showed that the female parents (M = less concern for these pupils. With directed efforts
3.39, SD = 0.53) agreed more with the attributes on and self confidence, learners are likely to perform
self-esteem compared to their male counterparts (M = better academically. In turn, the quality of education
3.36, SD = 0.71) despite the fact that this difference in the country which forms the main goal for any
was not significant. Moreover, the mean score for the country’s education system is likely to go high. The
female parents’ perceptions towards effects of school researchers thus recommend that school uniform
uniform on learners’ academic performance was 2.77 should be made mandatory for school going pupils so
(SD = 1.11) compared to 2.88 (SD = 0.92) for the as to facilitate uniformity, instil discipline among
male parents, also indicating no significant learners apart from giving learners a sense of
difference. The male parents agreed more with the belonging. All stakeholders in the education system
attributes on academic performance than their female should be involved when making decisions regarding
counterparts. This implies that according to the school uniforms for particular schools.
findings of this study, men rely more on school
uniform for generally high academic performance ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
than the female respondents who on the other hand The authors wish to thank all parents who
rely more on school uniform for adequate self- participated in the study for their valuable time spend
esteem. filling in the questionnaires. The authors are grateful
to the head teachers and class teachers who allowed
The correlation analysis on the relationship between and assisted the researchers in identifying and
learners’ self-esteem and academic performance as coordinating the pupils whose parents participated in
perceived by parents showed a significant positive the study. All these would have been futile without
correlation (r = 0.436) at p < 0.01. These findings their support. May the Almighty bless them all
imply that parents perceive self-esteem as a positive abundantly.
influence for learners’ academic performance. In fact,
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