pluralism

noun

• 1a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist.
• a form of society in which the members of minority groups maintain their independent cultural traditions.
• a political theory or system of power-sharing among a number of political parties.
• a theory or system of devolution and autonomy for individual bodies in preference to monolithic state control.
• Philosophy a theory or system that recognizes more than one ultimate principle. Compare with monism.

• 2the practice of holding more than one office or church benefice at a time.