Post · bonfire.cafe

Do you also often have a #concept in #mind that you think about and observe frequently, but don't have a name for?

Well, maybe here's another one:

Manifest and latent functions and dysfunctions
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_and_latent_functions_and_dysfunctions

These functions describe systems in #society:
Manifest functions and dysfunctions are expected.

Latent functions and dysfunctions are unexpected.

Functions lead to social stability, while dysfunctions lead to social instability.

Some examples (in part 2)

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Jan :rust: :ferris:

@janriemer@floss.social replied · 2 months ago

Examples

Manifest function (expected/stability):
- Sending kids to school, so that they become well educated

Manifest dysfunction (expected/instability):
- Holding on to fossil fuels as a ("cheap") energy source

Latent function (unexpected/stability):
- Kids might form deep relationships and belonging with other peers in school

Latent dysfunction (unexpected/instability):
- Increased human, social and economic cost of climate change caused by using fossil fuels for energy

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#Philosophy

Jan :rust: :ferris:

@janriemer@floss.social replied · 2 months ago

I find this kind of stuff super fascinating! 🤓

You can recognize/apply these concepts everywhere:

Also in software dev:
Not properly fixing something, but instead do a workaround:

Manifest dysfunction:
Might be harder to extend in the future.

Latent function:
If it was properly fixed, the software would have become 2x faster, because the actual error has manifested itself in the execution of unnecessary logic.

3/3

#SoftwareDevelopment #SoftwareEngineering

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