Final answer:
The most appropriate theoretical perspective for understanding how technology changes societal roles depends on the context. The functionalist perspective focuses on technology's role in promoting societal stability and efficiency, while the conflict perspective examines how technology perpetuates social inequalities and power dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theoretical perspective that offers the strongest explanation for how technology changes roles in a society can vary depending on what aspect of societal change one is looking at. The functionalist perspective highlights how technology contributes to the stability and functioning of society, such as improving communication and economic transactions. Conversely, the conflict perspective focuses on how technology can perpetuate inequality and reinforce power dynamics, emphasizing who controls the technology and its distribution.
For instance, a functionalist might praise how technology enables more efficient agricultural practices or opens new markets for products like cell phones, which can lead to economic growth. A conflict theorist, however, might argue that those who bring technology, such as businesses or governments, often instill their own ideologies and agendas, which can result in political ideology and cultural colonialism, thereby influencing societal roles and creating inequalities.