Question

From the functionalist perspective, the main reason for the existence of social problems is that society sometimes fails to adapt successfully to change and new conditions, which throw the social structure into equilibrium.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

According to the functionalist perspective, social problems occur when society's institutions fail to adapt to change, disrupting the equilibrium and leading to dysfunctions such as the Great Recession.

Step-by-step explanation:

From a functionalist perspective, the presence of social problems in society is often attributed to the failure of social systems to adapt to changes and new conditions, leading to disruptions in equilibrium. This view suggests that when elements of society, such as the economy, fail to function properly or adapt to changing social conditions, dysfunctions occur that can lead to a range of social issues. For example, the Great Recession is seen as a major dysfunction resulting from inadequate adaptation in financial markets and lending practices. Moreover, the functionalist perspective proposes that social institutions work together to maintain social order, stability, and productivity. However, when these institutions cannot manage change effectively, it leads to social problems that necessitate restoration or transformation toward a new equilibrium.