One perspective on prejudice is that it is _____, in that it creates in-group solidarity.

• A. Harmful
• B. Irrational
• C. Functional
• D. Avoidable

Answer: (C)

From a functionalist angle, prejudice can serve to strengthen in-group solidarity by drawing a clear line between who belongs and who doesn’t. When a group faces threats or competition, shared bias toward an out-group can unify members, reinforce group norms, and boost loyalty. This view treats prejudice as having a social function that helps hold the group together, even though it harms others. The other descriptions miss that idea: harmful describes consequences, irrational focuses on bias's rationality, and avoidable speaks to preventability rather than the function prejudice serves for group cohesion.