Manifest Functions Versus Latent Functions скачать в хорошем качестве

Manifest Functions Versus Latent Functions

A social policy, procedure, or action that is consciously and purposefully meant to have a positive impact on society is said to have a manifest function. A latent function, on the other hand, is one that benefits society while not being deliberately designed. Dysfunctions, a category of unanticipated consequences that are destructive in nature, stand in contrast to both manifest and latent functions. In his 1949 book Social Idea and Social Structure, American sociologist Robert K. Merton outlined his theory of apparent function (as well as latent function and dysfunction). Other theories by Merton that made him well-known within the field, such as the ideas of reference groups and self-fulfilling prophecy, are also included in the text, which the International Sociological Association ranks as the third most significant sociological book of the 20th century. As part of his functionalist view of society, Merton examined closely social behavior and its results and discovered that manifest functions could be defined quite precisely as the positive outcomes of conscious and intentional behavior. However, they are most frequently described as the results of the activities of social institutions including family, church, education, and the media, as well as the outcome of social policies, laws, regulations, and norms. Manifest functions are the results of all kinds of social actions. Consider the social institution of schooling as an example. The institution's conscious and deliberate goal is to generate educated youth with an understanding of their world and its history as well as the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute positively to society. Similarly to this, the media institution's conscious and deliberate aim is to inform the people of significant news and events so that they can participate actively in democracy. While latent functions are not conscious or purposeful yet nonetheless create advantages, visible functions are consciously and deliberately meant to do so. They actually have favorable unforeseen side effects. Using the aforementioned examples as a guide, sociologists understand that social structures generate both latent and visible functions. Latent functions of the educational institution include the development of friendships among students who matriculate at the same school, the provision of entertainment and socializing opportunities through school dances, sporting events, and talent shows, and the feeding of hungry students with lunch (and, in some cases, breakfast) when they would otherwise go without. The first two on this list serve the covert purpose of building and strengthening social relationships, group identity, and a sense of belonging, all crucial components of a vibrant and well-functioning society. The third serves the covert purpose of transferring resources within society to lessen widespread poverty. The problem with latent functions is that they frequently go unrecognized or uncredited, unless they have unfavorable effects. Merton defined dysfunctions as detrimental latent functions that disrupt society and lead to conflict. He was also aware that dysfunctions could appear in the natural world. These happen when the unfavorable effects are anticipated, such as when a major event like a street festival or a protest disrupts regular life and transportation.