Which of the following functions of music is related to social and cultural stability according to Alan Merriam?

The function of music that relates to social and cultural stability, as described by Alan Merriam, is the validation of social institutions. This concept highlights how music serves to reinforce and legitimize social structures and cultural norms within a community.

Music often plays a vital role in ceremonies, rituals, and communal gatherings, helping to affirm shared values and beliefs. By underpinning these social institutions, music contributes to the cohesion and stability of a society, promoting a sense of identity and belonging among its members.

While entertainment, emotional expression, and physical engagement are all important functions of music, they do not specifically address the notion of reinforcing social and cultural stability. Entertainment is primarily focused on enjoyment and engagement, emotional expression addresses individual feelings and experiences, and physical engagement often pertains to the sensory or kinetic aspects of music-making or listening, rather than their sociocultural implications.