Answer to Question #208698 in Sociology for aurora

Question

According to functionalism, what are manifest and latent functions (define these concepts)? Give examples of a manifest and a latent function in schools (apply the concepts and use your own examples

Answer 1

Manifest functions in functionalism are functions that have some intended consequence or results, whereas latent functions are functions whose consequences are not called for or intended. In school, manifest functions can be applied where you can teach the students a specific skill. In an art lesson, for instance, you can teach them weaving. So, the intended purpose is for them to know how to weave. A latent function in that example may appear when the students are working in groups. They can have fun with each other, yet that was not the intended purpose of making them work in groups.