The unintended and unrecognized consequence of an element of society.

This is a Latent Function.

Explanation:

The initial premise of Robert Merton's sociology is that in a society the existence of cultural elements and social practices play a decisive role in people's lives. However, he notes that while recognizing the importance of customs and feelings as a function, it is not the same for all groups, that is, the function is not unilateral. Merton focused his analysis on social life toward the functions performed by institutions, starting from the concept of latent function and manifest function.

Latent functions are not intentional, but unconscious, concealing interests that are not clearly manifested. In other words, it may be the unintended and unrecognized consequence of an element of society.

The answer is "Latent Function".

Latent functions are the ones the oblivious, unintended and beneficial.

Latent functions are those that are neither perceived nor proposed. Latent functions of a conduct isn't unequivocally expressed, perceived, or planned by the general population included. In this way, they are recognized spectators.