Pillarisation

Pillarisation is when different groups in a society each have their own beliefs, values and ways of living. These groups are called 'pillars', and can include religious, political and cultural groups. For example, in the Netherlands in the early 1900s, there were three main pillars: the Catholic pillar, the Protestant pillar and the Social Democratic pillar. In each pillar, people had different schools, newspapers, shops and sports clubs. They were able to practice their own beliefs and ways of living without interference from other groups.