Priyamvada Ashok MhaddalkarAIR 13 · CSE 2021 · 165 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Robert Merton helped refine the functionalist perspective by expanding its dimensions through the concepts of manifest and latent functions.
Body · points and prose
MANIFEST FUNCTION: These are the intended and observed consequences of a social phenomenon.
LATENT FUNCTION: These are the unintended and unrecognized consequences of a social phenomenon.
Eg: The manifest function of industry is production of goods while the latent function is alienation of workforce.
Understanding the manifest and latent functions of every social phenomenon expand the body of sociological knowledge.
It helps us to go beyond common sense perception of the world. (Debunking theory - Peter Berger)
Eg :- Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption - a person buys car not just for travelling but as a social status (manifest) but this could lead to increasing inflation (latent) and disrupt economic system. → Used by Singapore Govt. to improve infrastructure and put limit on car ownership.
Close · a summary
Thus, analysing manifest and latent functions of different social aspects can help improve our understanding and find solutions to social problems.