The state of Ohio has a dwindling population. In an effort to increase the birthrate in the state, it offers a $5,000 bonus to all families giving birth in the state for the next three years. Which of the following is the latent function?

a. an increase in the need for teachers as a result of more children in the Ohio educational system
b. an increase in the population in the state of Ohio
c. an increase in the birthrate in the state of Ohio
d. all of these are latent functions

a.an increase in the need for teachers as a result of more children in the Ohio educational system

Explanation:

Latent function is an unintended effect of a policy, an activity or action while manifest function is the intended effect of a policy, activity or a process.

The manifest function of the state's policy is to increase population and this can be achieved via increased birth rate. An increase in the need for teachers as a result of more children in the Ohio educational system is not a direct purpose of the policy, it is an unintended effect of the policy, this is also known as the latent effect of the policy.