This article is noting that modernization involves the breakdown of ascription, however it also involves mechanisms, which use and incorporate traditional ascriptive elements and solidarities. Tradition and modernity are not necessarily mutually exclusive conceptual opposites. Mayhew draws heavily upon the work of Parson's as a base. For Parsons, ascription is the fusion of intrinsically separate functions in the same structural unit. Intrinsically separate functions are those that can only achieve high levels of performance in different and somewhat incompatible structural settings.
Ascriptive structures are basic reference points from which differentiation in society takes place.
In Parson's later work ascription has become the base state from which evolution occurs in the form of continuing differentiation and re-integration. There are basic categories from which this occurs. These are kinship, ethnic solidarity, primary group, and territorial grouping. These ascriptive features my become lessened by differentiation and technological advance, but they are not eliminated from the structure of society. Parson's recognizes that ascription will be a part of the structure of even the most modern and highly differentiated society.