Manifest and Latent Functions

In sociology, the world is governed by two aspects. One is the manifested working, and the other is the latent side. The latent functioning of a society depends more or less on the manifestation functions. These manifest and latent functions are the principles of how a society must work. It is also the planning of the benefits that can be curated with the laws made. The role of manifest and latent functions spans various aspects of sociology. Robert K. Merton was the pioneer to define manifest and latent functions. 

Before we understand the significance of the manifest and latent functions, let us understand what they are. We will then navigate the role of this particular theory in the practical world.

What are Manifest and Latent Functions?

In his book, ‘Social Theory and Social Structure’, Robert K. Merton defines two concepts. One is the manifest function, and the other is the latent function. As discussed, the manifest function refers to the expected functioning of society’s social rules, processes, and actions. Contradicting this, the latent function is the aspect that is not intention-driven. However, its application brings benefits for society. 

Every pattern of social actions that are expected to have an outcome is classified as manifest functions. For instance, your family may expect you to study well and get a good job. Here, the expectations that are associated with education and career are classified as manifest functions. As a social being, you are expected to provide an outcome through education. If we talk about a political scenario, the manifest functions are the laws, rules, policies, political ideologies, and norms. These are made and are intended to be followed by the civilians. 

The latent functions are the not-expected actions that take place simultaneously with manifest functions. For instance, at school, the students are expected to contribute to the country’s welfare and development. During the time they spend at school, the students develop a good relationship with teachers, make friends, and learn the art of interaction. Here, these are the latent functions, as society does not intend them from students at school. 

The occurrence of manifest and latent functions happens consecutively in most situations. Moreover, according to them, the individual remains in both conscious and unconscious production. The latent functions can go unnoticed. However, the manifest functions are continuously observed. When the latent functions lead to negative outcomes, they are called ‘dysfunctions’. 

Both the manifest and latent functions can be a boon for us. While on the one hand, manifest functions are apparent and are often hard to achieve, on the other hand, latent functions occur unintended. Still, the latter can prove to be beneficial in different situations.

Significance of Manifest and Latent Functions

To curate well-defined policies

Application of manifest and latent functions can make sure that the policies in the social work well. Right from the rules to the laws, the government can analyse their effectiveness. In addition, the manifest and latent functions help in understanding the practical application of the policies.

In-depth knowledge

Most of the time, societal norms are intention-driven. However, they always have a latent side. With the understanding of manifest and latent functions, the latent side of the norms can be evaluated. This, in turn, will help with the formation of different norms by carefully assessing the expected and the less apparent outcomes.

Indicative of future dangers

The manifest and latent functions can assist in avoiding the dangers. This is again specific to the latent functions. We only gauge the intended side of a norm most of the time. If we evaluate the latent side, too, it will indicate whether the norm will prove to be functional in the future or not.

Intermingling of more benefits

With manifest and latent functions, intended and less apparent skills can have a good collaboration. For instance, education may help you get a good job. However, looking at the latent side of it, other soft skills like communication skills and public speaking skills can also be developed.

This is how manifest and latent functions prove their significance. With the help of manifest and latent functions, one can understand both the intended and the unintended outcomes of any law, norm, policy, or strategy in society.

Conclusion

According to sociology, the world is governed through two aspects. One is the manifested working, and the other is the latent side. The latent functioning of society depends more or less on the manifestation functions. These manifest and latent functions are the principles of how society must work. The role of manifest and latent functions spans various aspects of sociology. Robert K. Merton was the pioneer to define the manifest and latent functions. 

We have defined two concepts, one is the manifest function, and the other is the latent function. As we define manifest and latent functions, it holds a great significance in practicality as well. Below are the significance of manifest and latent functions.

• To curate well-defined policies

• In-depth knowledge

• Indicative of future dangers

• Intermingling of more benefits

This is how the manifest and latent functions help make society work simpler and more structured.