What sociological perspective focuses on conflict or tension between competing groups?

The correct answer, which focuses on conflict or tension between competing groups, is rooted in the conflict perspective. This sociological framework emphasizes the inherent power struggles and social divisions that arise from competing interests, particularly concerning resources, status, and social values. It posits that society is characterized by ongoing conflicts between groups, such as the rich and the poor or different racial and ethnic groups.

By examining how institutions and societal structures perpetuate inequalities, the conflict perspective highlights how these tensions can lead to social change and revolution. It challenges the notion of social harmony as presented by other perspectives, emphasizing that disagreement and strife are fundamental to understanding societal dynamics.

In contrast, the functionalist perspective focuses on how different parts of society work together to promote stability and order, often overlooking the underlying conflicts. The interactionist perspective centers on everyday interactions and the meanings individuals attach to them, without a specific focus on broader societal conflicts. Social constructionism is concerned with how social realities are created and understood, which does not primarily address the notion of conflict between competing groups.