Sociology I · 10 marks · 150 words

Elaborate on latent and manifest functions of technology?

Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025

Robert K. MertonScience, Technology and Social Change

Syllabus: Sociological Thinkers: (a) Karl Marx- Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle. (b) Emile Durkheim- Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion and society. (c) Max Weber- Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism. (d) Talcolt Parsons- Social system, pattern variables. (e) Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups. (f) Mead - Self and identity.

How toppers approached it

From all 6 answers · about 170 words.

Opening

  • No separate opening67%
  • A definition33%

Body

  • Points100%

Close

  • A summary67%
  • A way forward33%

The toppers’ answers

RajeshwariAIR 2 · CSE 2025 · 133 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

None written.

Body · points

Technology is the modern tool which uses science and its methods for performing various activities in the society.

Merton's theory of latent and manifest function (ie) unintended/unanticipated and intended/anticipated function fit in for technology.

Manifest function of technology => Reduce the human time & energy by saving many challenge based work into simpler task. => Assist in growth of humanity, make human lives simpler.

[eg] Technology used in early warning systems in Disaster management help save many lives.

Latent functions of technology:

Close · a way forward

=> Digital divide in access towards technology is resulted unanticipatedly.

[eg] only 41% women are digitally literate across globe - this also enhance gender divide.

=> widespread unemployment issues & cyberthreats are latent functions of technology.

Hence, technology must be used and handled with caution to overcome illeffects of latent functions.

More on Robert K. Merton

Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance (anomie, strain), and reference groups.

All Sociology I questions on Robert K. Merton