Society men who are volunteer artisans (10)

I believe the answer is:

freemasons

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'society men' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'are volunteer artisans' is the wordplay.
'are volunteer' becomes 'free' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'artisans' becomes 'masons' (mason is a kind of artisan).
'free'+'masons'='FREEMASONS'

'who' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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