Final answer:
A functional symbol is the consequence that an element of society produces for the maintenance of its social system, which includes both the intended and recognized outcomes of a societal element's influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
A functional symbol is option 4) the consequence that an element of society produces for the maintenance of its social system. In the context of sociology, functional symbols are part of the complex interactions within a society that help in the maintenance and cohesion of that society. Robert Merton, a renowned sociologist, notably distinguished between the manifest and latent functions of social processes. Examples of functional symbols include a police officer's uniform, representing authority and law enforcement, or a bank's stability being questioned, leading to a bank run which could fulfill the initial fear of insolvency through a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Symbolic interactionists emphasize the importance of symbols in everyday human interactions. These symbols, such as gestures, signs, objects, signals, and words, are endowed with cultural meaning and shared by societies. They influence how we perceive and interact with the world, constructing our reality through their usage and interpretation.