Functional identity allows people to identify themselves for whatever activities they want. (slaw.ca)
If therefore it is legitimate... to emphasize that the demand... to be complete or to overflow in attributes which are the necessary expressions of its being, is at the same time a demand of distinction in terms of these same attributes, it is suitable to correct this abstraction by forcefully pointing out that this essence is a substance the fertility of which produces these attributes and in the functional identity of which the latter always remain. (religion-online.org)
I am well aware of the fact that these four castes are divided into numerous sub-castes (jaatis) which operate as the functional identities on the ground. (religion-online.org)