School Dress Code in the Light of Judith Butler's Gender Trouble

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This research discusses that dress code in the Philippines has been part of the norm of schools and universities that are implemented to uphold formality, decency, discipline, and protection of students. Dress codes among institutions have is very evident in Catholic schools for it promotes modesty, aligned with the values and beliefs that are being instilled on students. However, it is really alarming to witness that among these institutions, victim-blaming, harassment, and humiliation are very prominent and is being tolerated by officials which is rooted from the clothing and physical expression of students.

METHODS

The philosophical method used in addressing the issues on dress codes and sexism was dialectical, consisting of a thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. Issues on dress codes and sexism that emerged from universities and colleges from recent months was discussed followed by a contradiction from Judith Butler's gender trouble which highlights her aims to break the supposed links between sex and gender and she wanted to establish the notion that gender is performative and not biological.

RESULTS

Issues on dress codes and sexism are affected by different factors such as culture, religion, beliefs, and practices most especially in Catholic schools. Due to these factors, self-expression has been a problem based on Judith Butler's gender trouble, wherein it creates certain anxiety and fear among people especially if it does not conform to gender norms in the society which happens dominantly to women. Cross-dressing and heterosexual issues have also been a problem, not just in public places but also in schools and universities, which greatly discriminates other genders and leads to oppression, disrespect, and deprivation of their rights.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the conflict between the factors and feminist views but it also became a platform to arrive at the ideas that a person's act and gender performance determine his identity and should not be deprived from his right to express or choosing and doing what is aligned with his/her gender. We, as part of the educational institutions, should take a stand in starting a feminist culture most especially in schools and universities so that the younger generation will be enlightened on this issue. Sexual harassment, oppression, victim-blaming, and discrimination should not be tolerated since people should be treated fair and equal, regardless of his sex/gender.