Crossword Genius

Social institutions - there are thirteen of them (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clubs

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'social institutions' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clubs that I've seen before include "Societies" , "Card suit" , "Suit (in cards)" , "cabarets" , "black suit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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