Analyze the manifest and latent functions of ‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’ in the Merton’s theory. (UPSC CSE Mains 2016 - Sociology, Paper 1)
Merton‟s position was that all the earlier functional postulates rely on non-empirical assertions based on abstract, theoretical systems. At the minimum, it is the responsibility of the sociologist to examine each empirically. Merton believed that empirical tests, not theoretical assertions are crucial to functional analysis. This led him to develop his „paradigm‟ of functional analysis as a guide to the integration of theory and research.
Merton introduced the concepts manifest and latent function. These two terms have also been important additions to functional analysis. In simple terms, manifest functions are those that are intended, whereas latent functions are unintended. Manifest functions are seen and recognized by participants in the system while latent functions are hidden and not realized by any one directly of immediately e.g. construction of temples or church is the manifest function of religion but encouragement to art or science through religion is the latent function.
Merton has given the example of Hopi Indians to explain the difference between manifest and latent function who in times of drought perform ritual brings rain or no, it does promote magically causing rain. Whether the ritual brings rain or no, it does promote a general feeling of social solidarity and even provides relaxation and entertainment and the custom continues. The manifest function of any custom is clearly seen but the hidden and not clear intention should also be understood. This is sociological analysis.
Manifest Functions of ‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’
- A fixed tenure gives the bureaucrats job safety and will lead to efficiency in their work.
- They will be committed and dedicated to the job.
- They will not be influenced by external and internal pressures while taking decisions.
- They will get time to familiarise themselves with the departments or area in which they work can lead to better public service.
- They will implement plans and policies of the government effectively.
Latent Functions of ‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’
- Presence of a known bureaucrat with good credentials for a fixed tenure will encourage people to approach the government for its services without the fear of corruption or no service delivery.
- Encourage more bright people from the public take up bureaucracy as a career.
- Enables the bureaucrat to take risk while making decisions.
- Having safe tenure may make a bureaucrat become corrupt
- It has also the potential to make the bureaucrat non-responsive towards public service.
- Power capturing by the Bureaucrat.
The analysis of function by Merton in terms of function and dysfunction and manifest and latent has made it more clear, meaningful and scientific.
Merton has said – the same social arrangement can have or may be perceived to have both positive and negative results. Religion is perceived as means of salvation by the faithful but it is characterized as opiate by Marxists since it makes people lazy and dependent on fate. What is functional in one aspect for some, may be dysfunctional in other aspect for others. Exploitation of labour may be good for the capitalist in terms of increasing profit but dysfunctional in terms of productivity or causing unrest of workers.
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