  Social systems must fulfil four basic functions to ensure their survival in
competitive conditions. Social systems must provide for: (1) energy and other
necessities of life, (2) security against external and internal threats, (3)
identity and self-development, and (4) consistency and direction. These
functions result in four more or less autonomous aspect systems; these aspect
systems interact. Between the variables of basic functions and variables of
aspect systems, a minimal level of consistency is required to facilitate growth
and development, and to ensure the (future) survivability of the social system.
Sooner or later, growth, change, and differentiated development result in
inconsistencies within/between basic functions and aspect systems. These
inconsistencies affect the effectiveness and efficiency of these social systems
to provide for the basic functions. Periodically, deliberate or spontaneous
corrective adjustments of social systems are required, to correct for these
inconsistencies.
