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SSC Sociology QUESTION #1666
Question 1
Robert K. Merton's enduring contribution to structural-functional theory involved distinguishing between the intended, recognized consequences of social institutions and those unintended, unrecognized consequences that may nonetheless serve important social functions. This distinction is captured in his concept of:
  • Social facts
  • Manifest and latent functions✔️
  • Rationalization
  • Social stratification
Correct Answer Explanation
Merton's distinction between manifest functions (intended, recognized consequences) and latent functions (unintended, unrecognized consequences) refined Parsonian functionalism by acknowledging that social institutions serve multiple purposes, some hidden from participants. He also introduced the concept of dysfunctions to account for negative consequences.