Page 426 - Sociology and You

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Unit 4 Social Institutions
Section 2
Functionalist Perspective
Key Terms
• manifest function • tracking
• latent function
Manifest Functions of Education
According to the functionalists, social institutions develop because they meet one or more of society’s basic needs. Functionalists distinguish between a manifest function, which is an intended and recognized result,
and a latent function, which is an unintended and unrecognized result. (Refer to page 26 to review the meanings of these terms.) The educational institution performs several vital manifest functions in modern society. Schools teach obvious academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathe- matics. They also transmit culture, create a common identity for members of society, select and screen talent, and promote personal growth and develop- ment. Let’s look more closely at each of these functions.
How do schools transmit culture? Schools transmit culture by instill- ing in students the basic values, norms, beliefs, and attitudes of the society. The value of competition, for example, is taught through emphasis on grades, sports, and school spirit. Teaching the culture is absolutely essential if a society is to survive from one generation to the next.
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Functionalists see the emer- gence of the educational institution as a response to
society’s needs. The manifest functions of education include transmission of cul- ture, creation of a common identity, selection and screen- ing of talent, and promotion of personal growth and development. Schools also serve latent functions.
manifest function
an action that produces an intended and recognized result
latent function
an action that produces an unintended and unrecognized result
Is the teacher lecturing to these students fulfilling a manifest or latent function?