Topic One (1.1): Functionalist Views on Education

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This topic examines the key functionalist views of education. As a consensus theory, functionalists believe that education is vital to help ensure that socialisation is consistent across all society. They also focus on the skills that are provided by education and how these ensure that society’s economic needs are met.

Read & Make Notes Icon.png Read and Make Notes

Read pages 226 to 232 in your textbook and make detailed notes.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • Watch the following video and add to your notes:

WATCH – The Functionalist View of Education (YouTube) Links to an external site.

  • Create a mind map covering the key functionalist theories
  • Consider how education links into socialisation and the economy.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

  • As you did at AS, at AL, you should continue to keep track of new terminology as you work through the course. There is a comprehensive glossary at the back of the textbook. Make sure you refer to this regularly.
  • Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.

Exam Prep Icon.jpg Exam Preparation

  • This is a good moment to review the Learner Guide provided by exam board and to remind yourself of the following:
    • The requirements, layout and content of Papers 3 and 4;
    • Key concepts;
    • The assessment criteria;
    • Command words;
    • Note also the Advice for Papers 3 and 4 on page 25 and the Revision Checklists on pages 33 to 44.
  • If you have not yet printed out this document, we recommend that you do so and that you keep it in your folder so you can refer to it regularly.

Download PRINT OUT & READ – Learner Guide AS and AL Sociology (CAIE)