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latent function

American

noun

Sociology.

any function of an institution or other social phenomenon that is unintentional and often unrecognized.

Etymology

Origin of latent function

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Discussing the phenomenon of hazing in the ranks, Mr. Moskos said: To use sociological jargon, the latent function of hazing is that it differentiates and separates one from, and at the same time makes one feel superior to, whatever mainstream you’re defining yourself against.

From New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023