This unity of the total society cannot be usefully posited in advance of observation.  It is a question of fact, and not a matter of opinion.  The theoretic framework of functional analysis must expressly require that there be specification of the units for which a given social or cultural item is functional.  It must expressly allow for a given item having diverse consequences, functional and dysfunctional, for individuals, for subgroups, and for the more inclusive social structure and culture (1968, p. 84).