28-11-2012, 12:51 PM
Merton: Manifest and Latent Functions
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Merton evolves the notion of latent function and distinguishes it from manifest function. This distinction, Merton forcefully argues, helps us to go beyond the common sense perception of the world. A Merton like latent function enables us to see the deeper, hidden meaning of many of our social practices and cultural belief. The result is that the realm of social knowledge and enquiry would begin to expand. Merton distinguishes between manifest functions, which are recognized and intended by the individuals involved and latent functions, which are the unintended and unrecognized consequences of social behavior.
The distinction between latent function and manifest function helps the sociologist to make his or her presence felt as a critical analyst. It is possible that some beliefs, actions and customs can have function, or dysfunctions for a part of society or for a whole society of which the individuals, participants may be unaware. For example, the rainmaking ceremonies of the Hopi tribes. The Hopi ceremonials are designed to produce abundant rainfall. But it is not as if rain really falls on account of the ceremonials performed by the Hopis. Rainfall does not depend on ceremonials. Thus Merton wants to see something deeper in these ceremonials. Well, the ceremonials do not produce rainfall but the ceremonials enables the scattered members of the group to assemble together and engage in a common activity. This reinforces their group identity and solidarity which is no mean achievement. This is the latent function of the ceremony.
Merton suggests that a functionalist perspective can provide an illuminating approach to social life and can reveal fascinating information about ourselves and the way we organize societies. One famous empirical work in the study of factory workers known as the Hawthorne Electric studies. Initially the investigation was concerned with the relationship between the lighting of the factory and productivity. Several experiments were arrived out varying the lighting arrangements, but no consistent relationship was discovered. Instead, it was found that production increased during the experiments whether the lighting increased, decreased or kept constant. It was later discovered that the reason for this what was that the presence of the investigator had latent, unintended consequences on productivity. The fact that outsider were taking an interest in them were studying and watching them, resulted in them working at a faster rate.
Sociologist with his notion of latent function contributes positively to the growth of knowledge. Had he been contended merely with the manifest function, he could not have said anything new. That is why, Says Merton, the distinction between the latent function and the manifest function helps the sociologist to open the horizons of sociological knowledge.