<P> Latent functions are those that are neither recognized nor intended . A latent function of a behavior is not explicitly stated, recognized, or intended by the people involved . Thus, they are identified observers . In the example of rain ceremony, the latent function reinforces the group identity by providing a regular opportunity for the members of a group to meet and engage in a common activity . </P> <P> Peter L. Berger describes a series of examples illustrating the differences between manifest functions and latent dysfunctions: </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> "...the "manifest" function of antigambling legislation may be to suppress gambling, its "latent" function to create an illegal empire for the gambling syndicates . Or Christian missions in parts of Africa "manifestly" tried to convert Africans to Christianity, "latently" helped to destroy the indigenous tribal cultures and this provided an important impetus towards rapid social transformation . Or the control of the Communist Party over all sectors of social life in Russia "manifestly" was to assure the continued dominance of the revolutionary ethos, "latently" created a new class of comfortable bureaucrats uncannily bourgeois in its aspirations and increasingly disinclined toward the self - denial of Bolshevik dedication (nomenklatura). Or the "manifest" function of many voluntary associations in America is sociability and public service, the "latent" function to attach status indices to those permitted to belong to such associations ." "</Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> "</Td> <Td> "...the "manifest" function of antigambling legislation may be to suppress gambling, its "latent" function to create an illegal empire for the gambling syndicates . Or Christian missions in parts of Africa "manifestly" tried to convert Africans to Christianity, "latently" helped to destroy the indigenous tribal cultures and this provided an important impetus towards rapid social transformation . Or the control of the Communist Party over all sectors of social life in Russia "manifestly" was to assure the continued dominance of the revolutionary ethos, "latently" created a new class of comfortable bureaucrats uncannily bourgeois in its aspirations and increasingly disinclined toward the self - denial of Bolshevik dedication (nomenklatura). Or the "manifest" function of many voluntary associations in America is sociability and public service, the "latent" function to attach status indices to those permitted to belong to such associations ." "</Td> <Td>" </Td> </Tr>

Who described interest as latent attention and attention is interest in action