Final answer:
Functionalism is a theory that examines the purpose that certain cultural characteristics serve in the order of society. Bronislaw Malinowski is one of the best-known functionalists who explored this theory. Functionalists view social inequalities as a reflection of people's varying levels of benefit to the group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functionalism is a theory attributed to French sociologist Emile Durkheim in the early 20th century. In anthropology, the best-known of the functionalists are Bronislaw Malinowski and A. R. Radcliffe Brown, who examined the purpose that certain cultural characteristics serve in the order of society. For functionalists, egalitarian societies have certain rituals or beliefs that maintain equality, while in stratified societies, the hierarchy of roles maintains order when conflict arises. The function of social stratification, then, is to give power to those who are most equipped to lead, or to motivate those with talents to achieve positions of power and create wealth for the larger society. A functionalist view understands social inequalities as a reflection of people's varying levels of benefit to the group.