College provides a haven for several million potential workers who are classified as "students" rather than "unemployed," which helps stabilize the job market. This situation represents what Merton would describe as a ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice is D, latent function. According to Merton's theory of functionalism, latent functions refer to unintended and unrecognized consequences of social institutions. In this case, the unintentional consequence of college education is that it provides a stable source of potential workers who are labeled as "students," which helps stabilize the job market.

College Provides a Haven for Several Million Potential Workers Who