What is a function?

The Concept of Function

2007

In social science , the concept of function is connected with so called functional approach or functionalism . According to Emile Durkheim functions are necessary when explaining one or another social phenomenon , because they help to understand how the phenomenon is fulfilled . According to Robert Merton , function in sociology refers to observable objective consequences of an action . There are latent and manifest functions , which have positive influence on a social system or its subsystems

Latent functions mean objective consequences of some actions , which are not intended

, not recognized or sometimes even denied by the people , who perform these actions . At that , latent functions influence human mind indirectly . Any example of unintended or unconscious effect of an action or behavior can be called a latent function . In particular , the situation , when American missioners tried to convince Africans to embrace Christianity , they unconsciously brought to end African tribal culture

In contrast to latent functions , manifest functions are conscious and deliberate . They are intended and recognized by the participants of a social system or its subsystem . In other words , manifest functions mean objective consequences , which are expected and observable . For example the manifest function of studying something is to learn new things or master some skills . Or , the manifest function of drawing a picture is expressing someone 's creative idea or a special viewpoint on life , and so on

In addition to the functions , there are also so called dysfunctions which have negative effect on a social system or its components Correspondently , there are latent (unintended ) and manifest (deliberate dysfunctions . For example , manifest dysfunctions of a crowded public celebration on the open air include traffic jam , lots of garbage on the streets , a lot of disturbing noise , etc . At the same time , the latent dysfunction of such event can be missed opportunity to invest the money which was spent for the celebration , into other more effective activities or projects , etc

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The Concept of Function

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