Social function refers to the consequences or effects of any social pattern, institution, behaviour, or social activity for the overall operation, stability, and maintenance of a society or a social system. In functionalist sociology, the focus is on understanding how different parts of society contribute to the whole and help to meet the needs of the social system. Social functions can be manifest, meaning they are the recognised and intended consequences of a social pattern, or latent, meaning they are the unintended and often unrecognised consequences. For example, the manifest function of education is to transmit knowledge and skills, while a latent function might be the development of social networks among students. Analysing the social functions of various aspects of society helps sociologists understand how societies are structured and how they maintain themselves over time.