Lewis, Austin.  "The Metaphysical Status of Civilized Society."  Process Studies 20, no. 1 (Spring 1991): 10-21.

Abstract

Assuming as Whitehead does that social theory is ultimately grounded in metaphysics, the aim of this article is to show that a civilized society is, in Whitehead's own cosmological scheme, simply one further instance, albeit a special case, of what he terms a social nexus or "Society."  To this end a number of points of correlation are established between these two types of entities having to do with questions concerning unity, order, endurance, identity, causal agency, and individuality.  Finally, the status of a civilized society as 'one' or 'many' is examined in light of Whitehead's Category of the Ultimate.  [Abstract from The Philosopher's Index]