What refers to unconscious or unintended functions in a social system?

Latent functions are those that are not immediately apparent and can be unintended, unconscious, or unrecognized outcomes of a social phenomenon. This concept is derived from sociologist Robert K. Merton’s framework, where he differentiated between manifest and latent functions. Manifest functions are the explicitly intended and recognized outcomes of social activities, while latent functions can be more subtle and may only emerge over time or may not be acknowledged by those involved in the action.

For example, a school system's intended function is to educate students (a manifest function), but a latent function might be the fostering of social networks among families. Since latent functions can influence the social structure and individual behaviors in significant ways, understanding them is essential for a comprehensive analysis of social phenomena.