Which approach treats social change as a process that serves the stability and cohesion of society?

• A. Conflict theory
• B. Functionalist theory
• C. Sociocultural Evolution theory
• D. Cyclical theory

Answer: (B)

Functionalist thinking sees society as an integrated system where institutions like family, education, religion, and law work together to maintain social order. Change occurs as adjustments that restore balance and keep the whole system functioning smoothly. In this view, social change serves stability and cohesion because reforms or shifts in norms and roles arise to fix dysfunctions and preserve social solidarity. For example, expanding access to education can be seen as a response to the need for social integration and shared values, strengthening cohesion.

By contrast, other perspectives emphasize different drivers of change—conflict theory highlights power struggles and inequalities, cyclical or evolutionary views frame change as recurring patterns or long-term development—so they don’t prioritize change as primarily a mechanism for maintaining order. Thus, the approach that treats social change as a process that serves stability and cohesion is functionalist theory.