It can be rational to use ascriptive characteristics in order to save time, money and effort. Problems to the system can be either internal or external. Problems concerning the development of resources are instrumental. Problems that involve the expenditure or application of resources are consummatory. Adaptation is external since it involves relating the system to the environment and it is instrumental since it involves the development of generalized means for pursuing a variety of goals.
Ascription can be adaptive.
The adaptive potential of ascription rests upon the existence in ascriptively defined groups of a range of usable talents and capacities. The capacities of members of these groups are crucial in direct proportion to the levels of skills required in performing societal roles. The group needs to be connected to the large society. Goal Attainment is external in that it refers to relating the system to the environment and consummatory because it involves the organization for the effective pursuit of particular system goals. The capacity for goal attainment to organize the effective expenditure of energy.