S: (n) feudalism, feudal system (the social system that developed in Europe in the 8th century; vassals were protected by lords who they had to serve in war)
S: (n) patriarchy, patriarchate (a form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line)
S: (n) matriarchy, matriarchate (a form of social organization in which a female is the family head and title is traced through the female line)
S: (n) meritocracy (a form of social system in which power goes to those with superior intellects)
S: (n) pluralism (a social organization in which diversity of racial or religious or ethnic or cultural groups is tolerated)
S: (n) separatism (a disposition toward schism and secession from a larger group; the principles and practices of separatists) "separatism is a serious problem in Quebec"; "demands for some form of separatism on grounds of religion have been perceived as a threat to mainstream education"
S: (n) separationism, separatism (advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state)