società

Società is an Italian noun with two main senses. In sociology and everyday language, it denotes society, the organized group of individuals who share institutions, norms, and social relationships. In law and business, it denotes a corporate or business entity, a legally recognized association formed to pursue economic activity.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin societas, from socius meaning companion or ally, with the suffix -tas forming a abstract noun.

In the sociological sense, a società encompasses the structures and processes that organize human coexistence: families, communities, organizations, institutions, and cultural practices. It concerns social roles, power relations, economic systems, and collective identity. The study of società often addresses social cohesion, inequality, and change.

In legal and economic contexts, a società is a company or firm with legal personality. Italian law recognizes several forms, varying in liability, governance, and required capital. Common forms include società a responsabilità limitata (SRL), a limited-liability company; società per azioni (Spa), a joint-stock company; and partnerships such as società in nome collettivo (S.n.c.) and società in accomandita semplice (S.a.s.). Cooperative and professional societies (società cooperative and società di professionisti) are other forms. Formation and operation are governed by the Italian Civil Code and specific statutes, with registration in the Registro delle Imprese. Liability typically depends on form, with some entities offering limited liability to the owners.

The term also appears in phrases such as società civile (civil society) and as part of professional structures. In everyday use, context clarifies whether the discussion concerns social life or an economic enterprise.