The system, practice, or state of being a hetaera; the social institution of courtesanship in ancient Greece; also, a system based on companion associations.
From 'hetaera' plus the suffix '-ism.' This anthropological and historical term describes both the social practice of educated female companions and the political systems built on hetaeria membership.
Hetaerism reveals a surprising truth: ancient Greek society accepted paid female companionship as a legitimate profession while denying women property rights—so hetaerae had more economic independence and social freedom than respectable wives despite their stigma.
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