Adolescents and Fashion

By Roodeetah Mungur B.Ed French Hons 2011-2012 F\T

Definition of fashion
Fashion is the prevailing mode of expression but quite often applies to a personal mode of expression that may or may not apply to all.
Fashion pertains to almost everything someone does (the way they talk, the way they walk, the way
they dress, the way they spend their money, the music they listen to, etc).

Fashion at school
The Teenage Years represent the transition period into adulthood. Teens start to develop their independence and unique opinions about life's issues.
Teenagers are in a time of their lives where they are experimenting with new modes of expression, fashion, trying to "fit in".

Why students follow fashion at school?

Statement
For teenagers, fashion is first and foremost a social statement. It is an outward means of expression to their peers and the rest of the world.
Ref to Eriksons theory of identity Defining what they are, what they value

Why do students follow fashion at school?(2)

Identity
( identity confusion-definition of the self, lack of direction thus they are unprepared for the stages of adulthood)

Fashion also provides teenagers a sense of identity by signaling which neo tribes" they belong to (emo," "punk," "goth," etc.).

Why do students follow fashion at school?(3)

Attraction
Teens can be extremely conscious about overall image when it comes to sexual attraction.
They will often exploit fashion as a means to attract a certain type of person. They want to seek attention of others.

Why do students follow fashion at school?(4)

Rebellion
This may also be acted out via fashion. Since rebellion is often a huge aspect of a teenager's life, it is not surprising that teens often use shocking fashion to rebel against their parents, their friends and/or society.

Why do students follow fashion at school?(5)

Peer Pressure
Many teens pick up on fashion trends in an effort to escape from humiliation and mocking from peers.
Poor fashion choices in the eyes of others can often be an open door to ridicule.

Why do students follow fashion at school?(6)

Celebrities
Often, fashion for teenagers is the result of the desire to be like a celebrity.
Celebrities are perhaps the greatest influences on teenagers in the modern world, and they can have a huge impact on a teen's ideas about fashion and its importance.

Why do students follow fashion at school?(7)

Teen idols, and often times their TV shows, such as Mylie Cyrus in "Hannah Montana" et les Jonas Brothers can impact teenagers wardrobe.

Why do students follow fashion at school?(8)

Parents
As much as some teens hate to admit it, they get a lot of their fashion sense from their parents.
Some of the more outrageous fashion decisions a teenager makes may be made as the result of a desire to rebel against his parents.
This is typically true for scandalous clothing or piercings.

Fashion among teenagers

Teens are very self-conscious as they develop and mature into young adults. Their taste in fashion is ever changing. What is considered popular or hot now might become outdated next month.

Influences
Teens are susceptible to the media as they are still trying on different identities. Movies, TV shows, music and celebrities all influence a teen's choice in fashion.

Girls vs. Boys

There are far more magazines devoted to teen girls' fashion than teen boys'. Magazines about video games, sports or computers are more popular among teen boys. (motor mag)

Fashion among teenagers(2)

Teen Magazines
Magazines such as Seventeen, Teen People, CosmoGIRL, Teen Vogue and ELLE Girl, Essentiel give a glimpse into what trends are currently popular among teen girls.

Brand-Consciousness
Clothing is one of the top purchases teen girls make. They might not be able to afford designer clothing such as Chanel or Prada on their own, but fashion-conscious teen girls are well aware of those brand names.

Examples of fashion trends at school

Girls wear: short uniforms & multi colored socks same type of shoes & accessories same branded school bags & pencil case same hair style & hair dye
(Examples from SBE)

Examples of fashion trends at school(2)

Girls have the same model of mobile phones, listening to the same type of music Girls feel the need: to swear to steal only to be able to buy expensive stuffs.

Examples of fashion trends at school(3)

Girls feel the need: to have a boyfriend as their friends have one to bunk classes and school as their friends are doing it. to smoke and drink within school premises as their friends are doing it.

Examples of fashion trends at school(4)

Boys need: to wear branded shoes, socks & other accessories to swear to make themselves respected by others to differentiate themselves by adopting different hair styles to wear torn trousers

Its effects on teaching and learning in our schools

Effects of fashion on teaching & learning

Bad impression appearance and students. caused by behavior of the the

Teachers will prefer to work more with the good students. A tendency to neglect those having weird fashion styles and way of talking. Disruption in class due to misbehavior

Effects of fashion on teaching& learning (2)

Cases of thefts might be recorded because teens will need money to buy their stuffs.
It can lead to police cases. This will affect the schooling of the teen. The teen will be absent from school since (s)he is having problems. Poor academic performance

Effects of fashion on teaching & learning (3)

Having a boyfriend is also dangerous.
There can be cases of rape or sexual abuse There can be cases of early pregnancy.

This will force the girl to stop coming to school as she will have to face the taunts of everyone. Learning cant take place in such situations. It can affect the child in the long run.
(school policy)

Effects of fashion on teaching & learning (4)

Bunking classes and school can be also dangerous. (school policy)
The teen might get a special report, or a temporary or even a permanent rustication. Poor academic performance. This can also lead to police cases. (Brigade de mineurs)
( absenteeism)

Effects of fashion on teaching & learning (5)

Smoking and drinking in the school can also lead to rustication or even police cases.
Teen can get clashes from their parents which will disturb them. Poor academic performance

Effects of fashion on teaching & learning (6)

Parents may refuse to send them to school or refuse to take their responsibilities. They will feel ashamed of the deeds of their teens. This may also give rise to absenteeism. Poor academic performance

Solutions
Good conduct, good behavior will bring more marks. (extrinsic motivation) Rules and regulations of the school should be respected by every student. Teachers should not be overdressed since they are the role models for the students. Teachers can sensitize the students through the essay classes.(indirect way to pass on the messages)

Conclusion
Teachers should value the personality of the students irrespective of the students appearances, creed and caste.