From which perspective can racism be viewed as dysfunctional for society, highlighting the need for shared values?

Racism can be viewed as dysfunctional for society from the functional perspective, which emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and shared values in maintaining social stability. This perspective suggests that all elements of society, including norms, values, and institutions, contribute to the overall functioning and stability of society. When racism is prevalent, it can lead to social division, conflict, and disenfranchisement of certain groups, undermining the social order.

From the functionalist viewpoint, a society thrives when its members share common values and work collaboratively towards common goals. Racism disrupts this harmony by fostering inequality and preventing certain groups from fully participating in the social, economic, and political processes. This dysfunction can result in a weakened sense of community and increase tensions and conflicts, thus demonstrating the significance of shared values in maintaining societal function.

By recognizing the detrimental effects of racism on social cohesion, the functional perspective advocates for a societal framework that promotes inclusion and equality, ultimately benefiting the entire community.