sütyen

Säätyen is a Finnish word that translates to "by estate" or "in terms of social class." It refers to a historical societal structure prevalent in Finland, particularly during the Swedish and Russian eras, where society was divided into distinct social orders or estates. These estates, typically including the clergy, nobility, burghers (merchants and artisans), and peasants, held different rights, privileges, and responsibilities. Membership in an estate was usually hereditary, and it significantly influenced a person's legal status, economic opportunities, and political participation. The concept of säätyen shaped social interactions, legal systems, and the overall organization of Finnish society for centuries. While the formal estate system was abolished in the 19th century with the rise of a more modern, class-based society, the historical influence of säätyen can still be observed in certain cultural and social aspects of Finland. The term is often used in historical and sociological contexts to discuss the stratification and social divisions of past Finnish societies.