We have observed the difficulties entailed in confining analysis
to functions fulfilled for "the society," since items may be functional
for some individuals and subgroups and dysfunctional for others.
It is necessary, therefore, to consider a range of units for which the
item has designated consequences: individuals in diverse statuses, subgroups,
the larger social system and culture systems. (Terminologically,
this implies the concept of psychological functions, group function, society
functions, cultural functions, etc.) (1968, p. 106).