What is the Difference Between Latent and Manifest Functions

The main difference between latent and manifest functions is that latent functions are unintended, but manifest functions are intended and planned.

In sociology, a function is any consequence of social practice or structure that positively affects society and impacts structural continuity. In this, the latent functions are the positive consequences of an institution or other social phenomena that are unintended and often unrecognized. But, the manifest functions are the positive consequences that are intended and planned.  However, both these functions have positive effects and are beneficial to society. Furthermore, if a consequence of a social practice is negative and harmful, we call it a dysfunction.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Manifest Functions
     – Definition, Characteristics, Examples
2. What are Latent Functions
     – Definition, Characteristics, Examples
3. Examples of Latent and Manifest Functions
     – Examples in Tabular Form
4. What is the Difference Between Latent and Manifest Functions
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Latent Functions, Manifest Functions, Social Functions

What are Manifest Functions?

Manifest functions are the positive effects of an institution or other social phenomena that are intended and immediately recognized. Moreover, these are conscious, deliberate and beneficial. In other words, these are the consequences of an action we expect. For example, we build schools to educate children. Therefore, educating children is the outcome or consequence we expect from school, so this is the manifest function of a school.

Figure 1: Manifest function of a hospital is to provide health care to patients and treat any disease

Besides, manifest functions originate from all types of social actions. But, we mostly discuss them as outcomes of the work of social institutions like religion, education, family and media. For instance, the manifest function of media is to inform the public of important news. Furthermore, manifest functions are also a product of social policies, laws, rules, and norms.

What are Latent Functions

Latent functions, on the other hand, are positive effects of an institution or other social phenomena that are unintentional and often unrecognized. Moreover, these are the consequences of any social behaviour or pattern that are not immediately obvious. In other words, these are unconscious, unintended and beneficial. Also, sometimes, latent functions of an action may not also be obvious to people involved in that action. However, these functions may be identified by observers.

For example, if we look at the example of a school, a school may have many other functions in addition to its intended function. These unintended functions, such as providing students with a chance to socialize with peers, teaching students to obey rules, etc., are the latent functions of a school.

Examples of Latent and Manifest Functions

Difference Between Latent and Manifest Functions

Definition

Latent functions are positive effects of an institution or other social phenomena that are unintentional and often unrecognized, but manifest functions are the positive effects of an institution or other social phenomena that are intended and immediately recognized.

Nature

While latent functions are unconscious, unintended and beneficial, manifest functions are conscious, deliberate and beneficial.

Example

The latent functions of a school include teaching students to follow the rules, giving them an opportunity to socialize, participate in events, etc. However, the manifest function of a school is educating children.

Conclusion

In brief, latent and manifest functions are two types of social functions. Of these, latent functions are the positive consequences of an institution or other social phenomena that are unintended and often unrecognized. But, manifest functions are the positive consequences that are intended and planned. Thus, this is the main difference between latent and manifest functions.

Reference:

1. Cole, Nicki Lisa. “Manifest Function, Latent Function, and Dysfunction in Sociology.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 4 Feb. 2020, Available here.
2. “Manifest and Latent Functions and Dysfunctions.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Dec. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1807541” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “921642” (CC0) via Pixabay