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Social Functions are social scientific concepts first clarified for sociology by Robert K. Merton.[1] Merton appeared interested in sharpening the conceptual tools to be employed in a functional analysis. is referred to as the consequences for the operation of society as a whole. It is one of the key elements that theorists would focus on while studying the Structural Functionalism Approach.[2] Merton introduced three (3) major concepts related to Social Function:
Manifest Functions
[edit]Manifest Functions According to Robert Merton manifest functions are those that are intended and recognized. These are functions which people assume and expect the institutions to fulfil. The effect or result that is apparent to the members of the society. We can ask people why they do a certain thing; they will give the reason the manifest function of that behavior – the agreed upon value of action, the ideal as opposed to the real.[3]
Latent Functions
[edit]Latent Functions is referred to as the unrecognized and unintended consequences of any social pattern. Like the Manifest functions, it has a positive effect the the society.
Social Dysfunctions
[edit]Social Dysfunctions is referred to as the social pattern's undesirable consequences for the operation of society. Unlike the Manifest Functions and Latent Functions, it has a negative to society. It can also be manifest or latent.
Examples
[edit]Education Manifest Functions of education include preparing for a career by getting good grades, graduating, and getting a good job.[4] Latent Functions of education include meeting new people, participating in extra curricular activities, taking school trips, or maybe finding a spouse.[5] Social Dysfunctions in education include not getting good grades, not graduating, and not getting a job that pays well.[6]
Family Meal Manifest functions of the family meal - to feed the family. Latent functions of the family meal - to reinforce the bonds within the family, the sense of 'belonging' to the family.
Fast-food/Take Away Manifest functions of fast-food take away - -to feed oneself quickly and cheaply. Latent functions of fast-food/take away - enforces the sense of being self -sufficient. In another words, of being lonely or of being a special 'treat' for the family/enables both parents to hold down two jobs.
External links
[edit]- MANIFEST AND LATENT FUNCTIONS Extract from Robert K. Merton, Social Theory and Social Structure. Glencoe, IL: Free Press, 1957, pp. 60 - 69.
- MANIFEST/LATENT FUNCTION, definition at Principia Cybernetica Web
Further reading
[edit]- ^ ^Wikipedia Robert K. Merton, [1] February 2012.(Accessed Feb 24,2012)
- ^ ^ Macionis, Gerber, Sociology 7th Canadian Ed. (Pearson Canada Inc., 2010)pg.14
- ^ ^Sociology Guide Robert Merton's Latent And Manifest Functions, [2] 2011.(Accessed Feb 24,2012)
- ^ ^Varron Six Manifest Functions of Education, [3] May 2011.(Accessed Feb 24,2012)
- ^ ^Varron Six Manifest Functions of Education, [4] May 2011.(Accessed Feb 24,2012)
- ^ ^Varron Six Manifest Functions of Education, [5] May 2011.(Accessed Feb 24,2012)