一揆의 사회적 기능에 관한 일고찰 - 남북조내란기 ｢下松浦 一揆｣를 중심으로 -

A Study of the Social Function of Ikki

The aim of this paper is to examine the social function of the Simomatsuura Ikki (下松浦一揆) taken place during the Nanbokucho period. Ikki was prevalent in the the Nanbokucho period, and the tendency continued until the Sengoku period. Ikki was organized and led by local proprietors, and its main objective is to consolidating their control over their lands and people. The study of ikki is needed to better understand the structure of local power and movement of local proprietorship. Ikki at first was organized to fight on behalf of the bakufu. Its main function was to prevent conflicts among its members. The Ikki had a unique decision making process: Major decisions were made on the majority vote (多分之儀) participated by its members. This democratic process contributed to the peaceful resolution of disputes among its members over their property, civil or criminal matters. Based on these practices local proprietors invented the idea of ‘public sphere’ where ikki members made important decisions by themselves. Here ikki was suggested as a self-regulating body. The idea of ‘public sphere’ can be distinguished from the public authority represented by the bakufu. Ikki was unique in emphasizing the equality among its members. Even the family ties were strongly denied within the ikki organization.