Final answer:
The student's question pertains to the theory of functionalism in sociology, which views society as a system where each part works to maintain social stability and address dysfunctions, like the examples of socio-economic disruptions or movements for racial justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to functionalism, a theoretical framework used in sociology that focuses on the functions or consequences an element of society produces to maintain the social system's stability. The functionalist perspective assumes that every part of society, including norms, values, institutions, and structures, contributes to the society's overall operation and equilibrium. In a functionalist view, for example, education contributes both manifest and latent functions, such as the formal transmission of knowledge and the establishment of social networks, respectively.
Instances of dysfunction, such as the 2020 protests following George Floyd's death or the Great Recession stemming from risky lending practices, illustrate disruptions to the social stability that must be addressed for the system to restore balance. These situations underscore the importance of adaptability within societal institutions to ensure the continued health and stability of the social system, a concept that was detailed by eminent sociologists like Durkheim and Merton.
Each part of society serves a purpose to promote solidarity, order, and maintain stability, often requiring compensatory adjustments to adapt to new conditions and restore equilibrium when disturbances occur.