Latent Function

see manifest/latent functions (Krippendorff )

A distinction made within the structural-functional school of sociology referring to at least three kinds of dimensions of social behavior . A distinction (a) between proclaimed (manifest) and real purposes (latent) of particular acts (b) between purposes of which the members of a society are aware (manifest) and of which these members are not aware (latent) of (c) between the effects or actions which are intended (manifest) and unintended (latent) (see externalities ). (Krippendorff )