Which theory posits that all aspects of society serve a purpose and are indispensable for its long-term survival?

Which theory posits that all aspects of society serve a purpose and are indispensable for its long-term survival?

• A. Marxism
• B. Functionalism
• C. Feminism
• D. Interactionism

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that society operates as a system in which every part serves a purpose and is needed for the whole to endure. Functionalism argues that social institutions and practices exist because they perform functions that help maintain social order and the long-term survival of society. Think of society as an organism: each part—family, education, religion, economy—works together, and if one part changes, the others respond to keep the system stable. Functionalists talk about manifest functions (the intended outcomes) and latent functions (unintended consequences) to explain how these parts support continuity and cohesion over time. This understanding is why the statement fits functionalism so well: it emphasizes interdependence, stability, and the idea that every element contributes to the system’s enduring viability.

In contrast, other theories focus on different angles. Marxism centers on class conflict and how economic structures serve the interests of the powerful, highlighting change and power struggles rather than steady survival. Feminism concentrates on gender inequalities and power relations between genders. Interactionism looks at everyday social interactions and the meanings people create in micro-level encounters, not the overall survival of the social system.