Engineers try to make controlled flight very complicated, efficient, precise. Foamies and spads try to make it very simple, cheap, don't care about efficiency. All control surfaces work by deflecting air, pushing against whatever it is connected to. Stick your hand out the window of a car and rotate it .... a crude aileron. You can get a degree in aeronautical engineering if you need a more complete answer. Ailerons usually work to some extent or another despite what they are attached to.