A latent function of a behavior is not explicitly stated, recognized, or intended by the people involved.

Both manifest and latent functions contribute to the social system's unchanging ongoingness or stasis.

Merton made it very clear however, that unanticipated consequences and latent functions are not the same.

Thus one latent function of the creative cookery ideal is the production of dissatisfaction.

All these strands of thought fulfil a latent function for the housewife.

In the functionalist perspective, magic performs a latent function in the society.

Its latent function was to ensure that the lower classes fitted in with the designs of their betters.

He also developed the concept of deviance and made the distinction between manifest and latent functions.

The second type of function is "latent functions", where a social pattern results in an unrecognized or unintended consequence.

The latent functions of education include meeting new people, extra-curricular activities, school trips.