Answer:
d. are used by the powerful to maintain their own privileged positions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conflict theory: In sociology, the term "conflict theory" is described as a specific theory that explains that society is in a certain state of "perceptual conflict" due to the competition for "limited resources". The conflict theory was introduced by a famous sociologist named Karl Marx.
-Conflict theory holds the idea that "social order" is being maintained by power & domination, instead of conformity and consensus.
In the question above, the correct answer is d as per the conflict theory.