Answer:
d. are used by the powerful to maintain their own privileged positions.
Explanation:
Conflict theory: In sociology, the term "conflict theory" is described as a specific theory that explains that society is in a certain state of "perceptual conflict" due to the competition for "limited resources". The conflict theory was introduced by a famous sociologist named Karl Marx.
-Conflict theory holds the idea that "social order" is being maintained by power & domination, instead of conformity and consensus.
In the question above, the correct answer is d as per the conflict theory.
If you are referring to the time after USA declared independence Europe was in a mess as war was raging on in Europe most commonly known as the "Napoleonic Wars".
Hope that helped! :)
I don;t think you should be planing to make changes in your personality directly after negative experiences: those make you too emotional and might stop you from making rational choices.
So the best is if you genuinely want to improve to improve your life and the best answer is d)