A community is facing increasing tensions due to disparities in school funding that lead to unequal educational opportunities for students of different racial backgrounds. As a sociologist, which approach would best address the underlying issues of racial prejudice and its potential consequences in this scenario?

To address the underlying issues of racial prejudice in school funding disparities, a sociologist might use the social constructionist approach. This approach focuses on how society creates and maintains ideas about race and inequality through shared beliefs and practices. By examining how these perceptions influence decisions about funding, the sociologist can identify the root causes of the problem. For example, if a community believes that students from certain racial backgrounds are less capable, they may be less willing to support funding for their schools. Understanding these social constructs can help the community challenge prejudices and work towards more equitable funding for all students.