ABSTRACT
Ethnographic information on the instrumental functions of kinship systems has sometimes been used as evidence that while kinship has such functions in tribal society, they are weak or absent in industrial society. Oyabun-kobun is a system of "boss-henchmen" relationships featuring simulated blood-kinship ties and serving various ideological, economic, and political objectives of Japanese society, including criminal groups. Kinship systems have dominated tribal African political and economic organization since before the beginning of the colonial era. The importance of kinship, consanguineal and simulated, in the instrumental activities of simpler peoples has long been recognized by ethnologists. Instrumental activities constantly require adaptation to the material conditions which prevail at a given time and place. The ideal roles of the participants may be outlined as follows: the oyabun typically is visualized as a simulated or "ritual" parent, to whom is owed the respect and loyalty expected of the father in traditional Japanese family organization.
