Merton put forward the theory explaining the latent and manifest functions. Two of them are explained as follows: Robert K. Merton Latent And Manifest Functions.
- Latent functions are the functions that are not envisioned or recognized by the members of a social system in which they occur.
- Manifest functions are the functions of a social activity that are largely recognized by the people involved in the activity.
- Merton observed that different sociologists have focused either on the micro-level or the macro-level of society. This divergence failed to ‘fill in the gaps’ between macro-and micro-levels.
- In this regard, Merton claimed for middle-range theories in specific areas or on particular subjects.
Merton disapproved of some of the more extreme and defenseless features of structural functionalism and put forward his new theoretical perceptions that helped provide structural-functionalism permanent usefulness.
Robert K. Merton Latent And Manifest Functions.
Differentiating viewpoints of Merton and Parsons.
Even if Merton and Parsons are related to structural-functionalism, there are some important variances between the two. Robert K. Merton Latent And Manifest Functions
- Marxian gave more emphasis to Marxian theories than Parsons.
- Parson favored grand and overreaching theories whereas Merton was focused on limited and middle-range theories.
Merton believed that experiential tests, not theoretic declarations, are vital to the functional investigation led him to improve his “paradigm” of functional analysis as a leader in the integration of theory and study.
Function, dysfunction and non-functions.
- Functions, according to Merton, are functions are well-defined as “those observed concerns which make for the adaptation or modification of a given system”.
- By mentioning dysfunction, Merton tried to signify that one social fact can also have negative consequences for another social fact.
- Merton also postulated the notion of non-functions, which he stated as consequences that are simply inappropriate to the system under concern. He says that nonfunctions may have had helpful or harmful consequences in the past, but they have no important effect on existing society. Robert K. Merton Latent And Manifest Functions
MANIFEST AND LATENT FUNCTIONS.
- Merton also brings together the ideas of manifest and latent functions. These two terms have also been vital additions to functional analysis.
- Manifest functions are those that are planned, whereas latent functions are unplanned.
- The manifest function of slavery, for instance, was to upsurge the commercial production of South America.
- The latent function on other hand provides a vast underclass that helped to raise the social status of southern Americans (both rich and poor).
Merton’s unanticipated consequences.
- Through unanticipated consequences, Merton reveals that actions have both intended and unintended consequences. Though everybody is aware of the intentional results, a sociological investigation is necessary to reveal the unintentional results.
- Merton cleared that unanticipated consequences and latent functions are not identical. He added that a latent function is a type of unanticipated consequence. Robert K. Merton Latent And Manifest Functions
Conclusion.
- To clarify functional theory, Merton stated that a structure may be dysfunctional for the system as a whole yet may continue to exist.
- For example, discrimination against blacks, females, and other minority groups is dysfunctional for society, yet it exists as it is functional for a part of the social system.
- Merton stated that not all structures are necessary to the workings of the social system and some parts of our social system could be eradicated. This benefits functional theory overwhelm another of its conservative biases.
- Therefore, Merton’s explanations are of prodigious usefulness to sociologists who wish to execute structural-functional analyses. Robert K. Merton Latent And Manifest Functions
