> The idea is that it demonstrates respect for the institution:
You know what grown-ups see as demonstrating respect for an institution? Devoting a substantial portion of your waking hours to performing quality work on behalf of the institution.
If you prefer ritual displays of conformance as a mark of respect, that's a choice with consequences, and either not recognizing or preferring those consequences is not a sign of being "grown-up".
This seems simplistic. Ritual is an incredibly important part of human life.
I say this as a non-conformist in many areas. But I conform in many that bring me no pleasure. For instance, I don't meet clients in shorts or pajamas, though either would be more comfortable.
What's the difference between that rule and wearing a suit at the White House?
Respect doesn't have to be an exclusive either/or between ritual and quality work.
And either way, if the "software engineering dress code" becomes shorts and sandals and you'd be looked down on for wearing a shirt and tie, well, you're still a conformist. You're just selling out to a different rule book.
I was a non-conformist in high school and much of my undergrad, but you'd probably never have known it, as I wore things which were comfortable (and happened to be inoffensive) rather than going out of my way to dress in the same uncomfortable things that all the other "non-conformists" wore to show society they didn't care, man.
You know that it can demonstrate respect for an institution that you're outside of, as well? Good luck testifying in court wearing sweat pants and a tank top.
You know what grown-ups see as demonstrating respect for an institution? Devoting a substantial portion of your waking hours to performing quality work on behalf of the institution.
If you prefer ritual displays of conformance as a mark of respect, that's a choice with consequences, and either not recognizing or preferring those consequences is not a sign of being "grown-up".