Although the origins and characteristics of amae were discussed in Chapter 2, one key characteristic was intentionally omitted until this point, namely, its reciprocity. Even in the earliest mother-child relationship, dependency is mutually experienced. In older childhood as well certain aspects of amae continue to be mutually expressed in family relations. The child's identity with the family unit is the first step toward identification with larger social units within which amae may operate--ultimately to include the Japanese "family-state." Correspondingly, emotional needs and attitudes toward authority that are developed in family 44life may be transferred to the broader community. The system of duties and obligations which gives expression to those needs links the individual to parents and Emperor alike in an affective and hierarchical relationship. This unique relationship of mutual dependency makes possible the characteristic of Japanese political culture known as gekokujo, or "rule of the higher by the lower;" 1 it is especially significant in its operation within the locus of authority in Japanese politics, the group. This chapter explores the reciprocal nature of amae.