Final answer:
The functionalist paradigm focuses on the way powerful groups use racism to enhance their own power and wealth at the expense of the powerless groups. Functionalists argue that racism can contribute positively to society by strengthening in-group bonds, but also recognize the dysfunctions associated with racism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functionalist paradigm focuses on the way powerful groups use racism to enhance their own power and wealth at the expense of the powerless groups. This perspective suggests that racial and ethnic inequalities must serve a function in order to exist as long as they have.
Functionalists argue that racism can contribute positively to the functioning of society by strengthening bonds between in-group members through the ostracism of out-group members. However, they also recognize the dysfunctions associated with racism, such as the failure to take advantage of talent in the subjugated group and the diversion of resources to maintain racial boundaries.