noun
Refers to a group bound by shared interests, background, or blood ties, often with a connotation of exclusivity or insider politics. Used in contexts like political factions, academic cliques, or family-based groups.
政界では閥族の力がまだ強い。
In the political world, the power of cliques is still strong.
彼は学閥の閥族意識に嫌気がさした。
He grew tired of the cliquish mentality of the academic faction.
Compound of 閥 (はつ, 'clan, faction') and 族 (ぞく, 'family, tribe'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally conveys a group defined by familial or factional ties.