世襲

• 読み: せしゅう
• ローマ字: seshū
• 漢字の分解: 世 (se/yo) — generation, world; 襲 (shū/osu) — to inherit, succeed to
• 発音: /se.ɕɯː/

意味

Hereditary succession; passing down a position, title, or business through a family lineage.

In politics, 世襲議員 (hereditary politicians) who inherit constituency support from a parent are a frequent topic of debate in Japan. The concept also applies to traditional occupations (traditional arts, sumo stables, religious roles) and family businesses. Critics argue hereditary succession limits meritocracy; defenders cite the value of established networks and continuity.

例文

1. 日本の政界では世襲議員の割合が高く、批判を受けることが多い。
2. 歌舞伎の世界では世襲が伝統の継承を支えている。
3. 世襲制度の廃止を訴える改革派が党内で勢力を伸ばしている。

使い方ガイド

場面: politics, traditional arts, business, history

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

Compound of 世 (generation, world) and 襲 (to inherit, succeed to). The character 襲 also means 'to attack,' but in compounds like 世襲 and 踏襲 it carries the meaning of stepping into and continuing something established by another.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional–Modern

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal