Manifest functions are the recognised and intended consequences of any social pattern, institution, or social activity that are consciously acknowledged and stated by the individuals or groups involved. This concept, developed by sociologist Robert Merton as part of his functionalist analysis, helps to understand the overt and deliberate purposes of social phenomena. For example, the manifest function of education is to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary for their future roles in society. Similarly, the manifest function of laws is to maintain social order and regulate behaviour. Identifying manifest functions is a key step in sociological analysis, as it helps to understand the intended goals and outcomes of social structures and actions. It is often contrasted with latent functions, which are the unintended and often unrecognised consequences of the same social patterns.