What are manifest functions and latent functions provide an example of each?

(noun) The anticipated and intended goals of an action or social structure; the reason something is done.

Example of Manifest Function

Note: There is a latent function for each of these examples.

  • cell phones: Allow mobile communication between people.
  • clothing: Protects the wearer from the elements.
  • marriage ceremonies: Public acknowledgement of union between two or more people which legitimates sexual activity and subsequent children.
  • schooling: Transmits knowledge to the next generation.
  • war: Defend or claim territory, defeat an enemy.

Manifest Function Pronunciation

Pronunciation Usage Guide

Syllabification: man·i·fest func·tion

Audio Pronunciation

– American English

– British English

Phonetic Spelling

  • American English – /mAn-uh-fest fUHngkshUHn/
  • British English – /mAn-i-fest fUHngkshUHn/

International Phonetic Alphabet

  • American English – /ˈmænəˌfɛst ˈfʌŋkʃən/
  • British English – /ˈmænɪfɛst ˈfʌnŋkʃən/

Usage Notes

  • Plural: manifest functions
  • Manifest functions are a key aspect of functional analysis.
  • Manifest functions are easily observed.
  • Manifest functions are often positive and latent functions are often negative, but depending on the subject this distinction is not clear. One group’s positive outcome, maybe a negative outcome for another group.
  • Functions and dysfunctions along with latent and manifest functions were theorized by Robert Merton (1910–2003) in Social Theory and Social Structure (1949, revised in 1957 and 1968).

  • What’s one rule that your school/workplace has implemented that absolutely backfired? – Ask Reddit: reddit.com

Additional Information

  • Word origin of “manifest” and “function” – Online Etymology Dictionary: etymonline.com
  • dysfunction
  • function
  • functionalism
  • institution
  • latent function
  • law
  • norm
  • religion
  • structure

Works Consulted

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Shepard, Jon M. 2010. Sociology. 11th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Shepard, Jon M., and Robert W. Greene. 2003. Sociology and You. New York: Glencoe.

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Turner, Bryan S., ed. 2006. The Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Cite the Definition of Manifest Function

ASA – American Sociological Association (5th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2015. “manifest function.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved December 25, 2022 (https://sociologydictionary.org/manifest-function/).

APA – American Psychological Association (6th edition)

manifest function. (2015). In K. Bell (Ed.), Open education sociology dictionary. Retrieved from https://sociologydictionary.org/manifest-function/

Chicago/Turabian: Author-Date – Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2015. “manifest function.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Accessed December 25, 2022. https://sociologydictionary.org/manifest-function/.

MLA – Modern Language Association (7th edition)

“manifest function.” Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Ed. Kenton Bell. 2015. Web. 25 Dec. 2022. .

What is manifest and latent function give example?

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.

What is latent function example?

Examples of Latent Function clothing: Serves as an indication of status. marriage ceremony: Indicates a couple is committed to each other and thus communicates to potential partners to stay away; provides household goods and gifts; creates alliances and redefines family categorizations (e.g., in-laws).

What is the difference between manifest and latent functions?

Manifest functions are the intended and recognized outcomes of a social phenomenon. Latent functions are the unintended, unrecognized consequences of a social phenomenon. Many social institutions have both manifest and latent functions.

What is an example of a latent?

In psychology, latent learning refers to knowledge that only becomes clear when a person has an incentive to display it. For example, a child might learn how to complete a math problem in class, but this learning is not immediately apparent.