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Question no. 89782

Functionalists argue that despite being dysfunctional, ethnic conflict may fulfill certain societal needs. Which option is NOT among them ?

Select your answer for: Functionalists argue that despite being dysfunctional, ethnic conflict may fulfill certain societal needs. Which option is NOT among them ?
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Answer: D. Conflict attributable to ethnic stratification problems may reach an unacceptable frequency and intensity

Explanation

Conflict attributable to ethnic stratification problems may reach an unacceptable frequency and intensity. Functionalists recognize that unchecked ethnic conflict threatens the stability of the entire social system. Extreme hostility disrupts institutional functioning rather than serving any constructive societal purpose. Structural functionalism examines how social phenomena contribute to overall societal equilibrium. Some conflict can foster group solidarity, but excessive violence destroys social cohesion. Ethnic stratification often creates deep societal fractures that require institutional intervention.

Sociologists study ethnic conflict to help governments prevent destructive civil unrest and violence. Understanding functional limits helps policymakers address severe inequality before it destabilizes nations. Social cohesion policies aim to mitigate the dangers of extreme ethnic stratification. Option A describes group cohesion which functionalists do view as a potential outcome of conflict. Option B describes a safety valve mechanism where hostility is channeled toward scapegoats. Option C highlights how multiple group conflicts can prevent totalitarian control in a democracy.

Subject
Sociology
Category
Sociology
Topic
—
Difficulty
medium

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