Beneficial association is an all-inclusive term that refers to an organization that exists for the mutual assistance of its members or its members' families, relatives, or designated beneficiaries, during times of hardship, such as illness or financial need. The assistance provided by a beneficial association can take the form of life, accident, health, or burial insurance. Beneficial associations may also be called benevolent associations, fraternal societies, fraternal orders, or friendly associations or societies.
FURTHER READINGS
"Fraternal Orders and Benefit Societies." American Jurisprudence 36, no. 2.
Owens, Bill. 1975. Our Kind of People: American Groups and Rituals. San Francisco, Calif.: Straight Arrow Books.
Whalen, William J. 1967. Handbook of Secret Organizations. Milwaukee, WI: Bruce.
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