Double-entry bookkeeping as an institution

Abstract

The subject of the relation between DEB and capitalism is a matter of the historical character of DEB. Generally speaking, profit and loss calculation that many accounting scholars stress, seems to be common to all histories of economic activities. I believe that even Robinson Crusoe calculated profit and loss in a solitary island in the distant ocean. Therefore, it may be difficult for the historical character to be clarified from the view point of the function of calculating profit and loss. However, DEB has another function of dividing profit. Here, I am elucidating the ground that this latter function has made DEB become an important institution in capitalistic society.