Social function refers to any social arrangement, institution, norm, or practice that contributes to the maintenance of society. According to the functionalist theory of sociology, social function refers to the role performed by an institution, norm, or practice. For example, the social function of a family is to raise healthy children, the social function of a school is to educate, and the social function of the police force is to maintain law and order. Modern functionalism makes a distinction between manifest and latent functions, where manifest functions are objective consequences for the system that are intended and recognized by the relevant participants, and latent functions are neither intended nor recognized.

Social functioning defines an individuals interactions with their environment and the ability to fulfill their role within such environments as work, social activities, and relationships with partners and family. Impairment of social functioning is a significant aspect of depression distinct from the symptoms of depression. Several scales for the evaluation of social functioning have already been developed, ranging from those requiring a structured interview with a trained assessor to self-assessment scales.

In law, social functioning means living up to the expectations that are made of an individual by that persons own self, by the immediate social environment, and by society. It can also refer to a sponsored pre-arranged gathering of people who come together based on a common interest other than the food to be served at the social.

In summary, social function can refer to the role performed by an institution, norm, or practice in maintaining society, an individuals interactions with their environment and ability to fulfill their role, or living up to the expectations made by oneself, the immediate social environment, and society.