Question

What does a Functionalist consider when studying a phenomenon like the Occupy Wall Street movement?

The minute functions that every person at the protests plays in the whole
The internal conflicts that play out within such a diverse and leaderless group
How the movement contributes to the stability of society by offering the discontented a safe, controlled outlet for dissension
The factions and divisions that form within the movement

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. How the movement contributes to the stability of society by offering the discontented a safe, controlled outlet for dissension

Step-by-step explanation:

In Sociology, the Functionalist is a theoretical perspective that explains the way in which different elements in society exist or disappear depending on their contribution or function in social stability, this includes social structures such as the family or the church, but also situations such as economic crisis or the Occupy Wall Street movement that was a movement to oppose the inequality. This means for a Functionalist this movement and other situations contribute to preserving social stability. In this case, this can be explained as by protesting against inequality people that are not content with democracy and society can express their point of view which leads to stability once protesters have shown their position. Therefore, the point a Functionalist would consider when studying this situation is How the movement contributes to the stability of society by offering the discontented a safe, controlled outlet for dissension.