Final answer:
The feature of English society most likely being critiqued is greed and self-interest, as demonstrated by the economic motivations behind colonization and the formation of joint-stock companies, as well as the desire to establish Protestantism in the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The feature of English society that is most likely being critiqued is greed and self-interest, especially in the context of colonization and the economic system of the time.
During the period from 1660 to 1688, England's involvement in New World colonization was driven by economic motives, as English merchants and the newly formed joint-stock companies sought to compete with the wealth that Spain acquired from its colonies. These companies allowed investors to pool resources and share risks and profits, paving the way for the establishment of English colonies in America. This reflects the broader shift towards capitalism, marked by Adam Smith's ideas, where invested wealth is seen as an engine for economic development.
The English were also interested in asserting their Protestant beliefs in the face of a Catholic Europe, which motivated their colonization efforts. This motivation further highlights their self-interest as they wanted to establish a religiously homogenous society that aligned with their own beliefs. In summary, the critique is twofold: it involves both the economic greed of the emerging merchant class and the religious self-interest of the English society.