Uniform

<i>Uniform: Clothing and Discipline in the Modern World</i> examines the role uniform plays in public life and private experience. This volume explores the social political economic and cultural significance of various kinds of uniforms to consider how they embody gender class sexuality race nationality and belief. From the pageantry of uniformed citizens to the rationalizing of time and labour this category of dress has enabled distinct forms of social organization sometimes repressive sometimes utopian. With thematic sections on the social meaning of uniform in the military in institutions and political movements its use in fashion in the workplace and at leisure a series of case studies consider what sartorial uniformity means to the history of the body and society.<br/><br/>Ranging from English public school uniform to sacred dress in the Vatican from Australian airline uniforms to the garb worn by soldiers in combat <i>Uniform</i> draws attention to a visual and material practice with the power to regulate or disrupt civil society. Bringing together original research from emerging and established academics this book is essential reading for students and scholars of fashion design art popular culture anthropology cultural history and sociology as well as anyone interested in what constitutes a modern appearance.