Question

select the correct answer.
a sociologist studies how the education system serves to maintain stability in society by teaching shared values. this sociologist is most likely working from which theoretical perspective?
a. conflict theory
b. marxist analysis
c. social darwinism
d. symbolic interactionism
e. functionalist perspective

Explanation:

The functionalist perspective focuses on how social institutions (like education) fulfill roles to maintain societal stability by teaching shared norms and values. Conflict theory emphasizes power struggles, Marxist analysis centers on class inequality, Social Darwinism applies natural selection to society, and symbolic interactionism studies small-scale social interactions. The described focus on education maintaining stability aligns with functionalism.

Answer:

E. Functionalist perspective