What does the "functionalist theory" primarily focus on?

Functionalist theory primarily focuses on understanding society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and order. This perspective views each component of society—such as institutions, norms, and roles—as working in harmony to maintain the overall equilibrium of the social structure. From this viewpoint, social phenomena are analyzed in terms of their function within the whole, emphasizing the importance of social institutions and their contributions to societal stability.

Functionalists argue that in order for society to function effectively, various segments must fulfill their roles and contribute to the collective well-being. Thus, when examining social structures, functionalists seek to understand how they operate and interact to maintain social order and prevent chaos. This makes the correct answer representative of the core ideas of functionalist theory, which contrasts with other perspectives that focus more on conflict, individual roles, or historical changes without the central aim of stability.