College provides a haven for several million potential workers who are classified as "students" rather than "unemployed," which helps stabilize the job market. This situation represents what Merton would describe as a .
A) manifest function
B) latent dysfunction
C) manifest dysfunction
D) latent function

D) latent function                  

Explanation:

Latent function: In sociology, the term "latent function" is described as a phenomenon or function associated with an organization or institution or any other social entity that is often considered as unintentional and unrecognized. However, it involves many institutions including education, religion, family, etc. The concept of a latent function was initially proposed by an anthropologist named Bronislaw Malinowski during 1922 and modified by a sociologist named Robert K. Merton.

In the question above, the given statement signifies the latent function.

true