The status of ashigaru was restricted to a single generation but in actuality could be inherited by a child or relative upon retirement and, this right later went on to be bought and sold as 'kabu' and also became a position of employment for the second and third sons of wealthy farmers and merchants, because they could make their living by being an ashigaru although their salaries were low.
一代限りの身分ではあるが、実際には引退に際し子弟や縁者を後継者とすることで世襲は可能であり、また薄給ながら生活を維持できるため、後にその権利が「株」として売買され、富裕な農民・商人の次・三男の就職口ともなった。