There is another respect in which inquiry into latent functions represent a distinctive contribution of the social scientist.  It is precisely the latent functions of a practice or belief which are not common knowledge, for these are unintended and generally unrecognized social and psychological consequences. As a result, findings concerning latent functions represent a greater increment in knowledge than findings concerning manifest functions.  They represent, also, greater departures from "common-sense" knowledge about social life (1968, p. 122).