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Whirlwind Wheelchair makes and sells highly functional wheelchairs that “last an

ID: 3487115 • Letter: W

Question

Whirlwind Wheelchair makes and sells highly functional wheelchairs that “last and last even in rough conditions”. The rationale for making such wheelchairs is offered on their website as below:

The functional usefulness of a wheelchair affects the opportunities a rider can access as well as public perception of the rider and of disability. A broken-down wheelchair that is not designed for the terrain it must travel inhibits the rider's ability to contribute to her family and community. This hurts her quality of life and diminishes the public's perception of the capabilities and value of people with disabilities. A functional wheelchair designed for the challenges of its environment is a tool that allows its rider to express her talents, contribute her skills and sweat, and transform public perceptions. Orlando, an electrician and wheelchair rider in the Philippines, describes his experience in his attractive, rugged, well-fitted RoughRider, "In this chair no one mistakes me for a beggar."

Please select correct theory and explain why it is correct rationale

psychological theory

conflict theory

evolutionary theory

structural-functional theory

Explanation / Answer

Structural functionalism, or, simply, functionalism, is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. Two theorists, Herbert Spencer and Robert Merton, were major contributors to this perspective. Important concepts in functionalism include social structure, social functions, manifest functions, and latent functions.