The name is absent

Sorokin (1947:381) categorises the Cleiaents essential to
allow for continuity in the social construction of group identity.
He divided these into inherent factors and external factors.

3.14 Factors of continuity
(i) Inherent factors

Sorokin gives the following factors for continuity

(h) The fairly wide margin of potential variations
and unfolded implications which any meaning,
value or norm possesses without sacrificing
its identity

(b) Selectivity in adopting certain new elements
that do not destroy the identity of the group
and in rejecting those elements that are uncongenial
to it.

(c) The development of symbols and basic rules of
the group

∙(ii) External factors

Sorokin (1947:383) categorises the following elements as
providing continuity:

(a) The component of the vehicles of the group
(including property and material possessions)
language, territory

For groups that are localized on a certain continuous
territory, the territory itself plays such a role.

The component of members of the group

The identity of the component of meanings and
of the group is perpetuated also by other groups
with which the given group interacts

Thus the ability of the group to perpetuate itself is seen
by Sorokin to lie in the possibilities of adaptation, but an
adaptation that is selective in that new elements adopted are
compatible with the identity of the group and the rejection of
certain traditional elements does not lead to the destruction
of group identity.

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