Robert K. Merton

Bronislaw Malinowski invented the phrases ‘manifest’ and ‘latent’ functions in 1923 while studying the Trobriand Islanders of the Western Pacific. Merton used it for sociology. He is intent on honing functional analysis’ conceptual tools. Each system in society has an interrelated role. These processes stabilise society. Societal instability stems from systemic uncoverable functionalities that exist. Many latent functions go overlooked. No function or flaw has a value. In other words, negative or erroneous perceptions can positively contribute to society’s stability.

Manifest and Latent functions

Robert K. Merton defined visible (and latent) function in his 1949 book Social Theory and Social Structure (and dysfunction). Other Merton hypotheses include reference groups and self-fulfilling prophecies. Merton defined manifest functions as the beneficial outcomes of conscious and deliberate actions. Societal institutions, including family, religion, education, and the media, produce manifest functions, as do laws, norms, and traditions. Consider education. The institution’s stated objective is to produce educated individuals who know their world and history and can contribute to society. Media also exists to inform the public about significant events and news, so they can participate in democracy.

There is no doubt that it serves its intended purpose when it comes to rulemaking. There are times when rules have an ulterior motive, such as when they’re meant to keep things calm but instead lead to anarchy.

1. Functionalists before Robert K. Merton argued that social institutions are necessary because they serve some purpose
2. Slavery, according to Merton, might be useful in some contexts but problematic in others.
3. To assist us in better understanding social items, he identified their latent and visible functions.
4. In other words, the distinction between manifest and Latent functions can be viewed as the difference between conscious intention and the actual outcome.
5. He explained that the manifest goal of such rain dances is to appease God, but their hidden function is to strengthen the tribes’ bonds of solidarity.
6. Slavery, according to Merton, was not only a means of increasing the economic output of the South, but it was also a means of increasing the social prestige of southern whites, both wealthy and poor.

Difference between Manifest and Latent function 

In contrast to manifest functions, which are consciously and purposefully designed to achieve desirable outcomes, latent functions are not only unintentional but also result in favourable outcomes of their own. They are, in effect, unanticipated benefits.As the preceding examples demonstrate, social scientists are aware of the existence of latent functions in addition to the more obvious ones. Schools serve various latent functions, such as fostering friendships between students who attend the same school, providing entertainment and socialising opportunities through school dances, sporting events, and talent shows, and feeding hungry students their lunch (and sometimes breakfast, depending on the circumstances).

It is essential for a functioning society that the first two items on this list help to create and reinforce the bonds that bind people together into groups. Redistributing resources in society to help alleviate poverty is the third role of the third.

Definition of Manifest and Latent function

Latent functions refer to a social pattern’s unanticipated or unrecognised consequences. It takes some time to notice them. As a result, “manifest functions” refers to social policies and behaviours intended to benefit society. In many cases, institutions are tasked with a wide range of duties. For example, hospitals are expected to provide better care for patients with various illnesses or injuries. For example, clinicians who treat a patient with an incurable disease yet manage to save that patient and uncover new treatment methods can display latent function. Due to this distinction, social scientists view things from a more significant viewpoint than what is normally put up by individuals, institutions, etc. They are always aware of the social consequences of social standards.

In contrast to actors who perform latent functions, those who perform apparent functions are aware of the consequences of their actions. There is no doubt that it serves its intended purpose when it comes to rulemaking. There are times when rules have an ulterior motive, such as when they’re meant to keep things calm but instead lead to anarchy. In the meantime, a person’s underlying, latent functions are capable of both good and bad for others. There is a tendency for latent functions to degenerate into malfunctions. However, this isn’t always the case. As a result of dysfunctions, which are unnoticed processes that weaken society, social disorder and conflict arise. If a latent function does not cause issues or hurt some system component, it is unlikely that it will be detected. Policies and actions might negatively affect even though the manifest functions are working properly. Latent dysfunctions, which are generally unrecoverable, can significantly impact society and consequently be of more concern.

Conclusion

According to Merton, it is unnecessary to have every structure for the social system to function correctly. It is possible to do away with aspects of our social system. This alleviates an additional conservative bias. Functionalism paves the door for significant societal transformation by acknowledging that specific structures are only functional. For example, in our society, the removal of prejudice against various minority groups would allow it to continue and even improve. For sociologists interested in doing structural-functional studies, Merton’s clarifications are invaluable. This chapter is significant for Sociology and very common in exams. Therefore, I sincerely request every reader to go through my article thoroughly.