Which of the following statements is a functionalist most likely to agree with?
A) Racial-ethnic inequality persists because it benefits minority groups.
B) If a society is to work harmoniously, newcomers must retain their cultural heritage and values.
C) Racial-ethnic inequality is dysfunctional, but increases many dominant group members' solidarity.
D) Institutional discrimination is ineffective in relegating minorities to low-paying jobs.
E) Immigration is dysfunctional for the host nation even if it gains needed workers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Functionalism is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of social institutions and their functions in maintaining social order and stability. According to functionalists, social inequality exists because it serves a purpose in society, and each part of society has a specific function that contributes to the overall stability and harmony of the system.
Option A suggests that racial-ethnic inequality persists because it benefits minority groups, which is not a functionalist perspective. Functionalists would argue that social inequality exists because it serves a purpose in society, not because it benefits any particular group.
Option B suggests that newcomers must retain their cultural heritage and values for society to work harmoniously. While cultural diversity is important in functionalism, this statement implies that newcomers must conform to existing cultural norms, which is not a functionalist perspective.
Option D suggests that institutional discrimination is ineffective in relegating minorities to low-paying jobs, which is not a functionalist perspective. Functionalists would argue that social institutions serve a function, and if discrimination exists in those institutions, it is because it serves a purpose.
Option E suggests that immigration is dysfunctional for the host nation, which is not a functionalist perspective. Functionalists would argue that immigration serves a function in society, such as providing needed workers or cultural diversity.
Option C, on the other hand, suggests that racial-ethnic inequality is dysfunctional, but it increases dominant group members' solidarity. This statement is consistent with functionalism, as it suggests that inequality serves a purpose in society, but it also acknowledges that it has negative consequences. The idea that inequality increases dominant group members' solidarity aligns with functionalist views on the importance of social order and stability.

Which of the Following Statements Is a Functionalist Most Likely