Between Prestige And Economy: School Uniforms And Social Segregation Among Students In Urban School Environments

Abstract

The purpose of school uniforms is to foster equality among students and conceal obvious socioeconomic differences. However, differences in the quality of uniforms can inadvertently reinforce social divisions within the school environment. Through the perspective of Sheth's Theory of Consumption Values (TCV) and Baudrillard's concept of the shift in consumption values, this study aims to analyze how branded school uniforms contribute to social stratification among students. Information was collected using qualitative methods with a phenomenological approach, through in-depth interviews and field observations with four selected graduates from SMAN 5 Pekanbaru. The findings of this study include that “Mitra” branded uniforms are considered to have practical and social value, although the social or symbolic value associated with prestige and class identity is prioritized. As a result of this shift in consumption values, school uniforms now represent students' socioeconomic status rather than serving a practical function. Consequently, a division has emerged between students who wear Mitra uniforms and those who do not, which has an impact on the dynamics of friendship and interaction between teachers and students. This study suggests that when consumerist values take hold, even institutional symbols designed to signify equality can exacerbate class divisions. To restore the spirit of equality in school uniform dress, there needs to be an emphasis on stricter uniform standards and educational initiatives that reflect equality.