Home > Sociology MCQ Questions and Answers > Who is credited with introducing the sociological concepts of 'Latent' and 'Manifest' functions?
Who is credited with introducing the sociological concepts of 'Latent' and 'Manifest' functions?
A
Émile Durkheim
B
Robert K. Merton
C
Bronisław Malinowaski
D
A. R. Radcliffe-Brown
Correct Answer:
B
Robert K. Merton
- Robert K. Merton introduced the concepts of latent and manifest functions in sociology.
- Manifest functions mean intended, deliberate, and conscious effects of actions or institutions.
- On the other hand, latent functions are unintentional, unobserved, and unforeseen functions impacting society.
- For example, the manifest function of education is knowledge transmission, while its latent function is socialization.
- His ideas were based on the concepts of Émile Durkheim.
- Contributed greatly towards separating goals and achievements in society.
- Very helpful for studying institutions such as family, religion, education, and politics.
- Furthermore, the concept of dysfunctions was also introduced.
- This model proved extremely valuable for sociological studies.
- This model helped in making more detailed observations of societal phenomena.
- These models are frequently used in examinations of functional sociology.