A socialite is a person (male or female, but more often used for a woman) of social prominence who spends significant resources entertaining and being entertained but is not (at least in the early 20th century heyday of socialites) a professional entertainer. A socialite is usually a member of the upper class or aristocracy. In the United States, socialites may be listed in the Social Register. Young women may be debutantes prior to being socialites. Young people interacting within an ethnically diverse society. ... Upper class refers to the group of people at the top of a social hierarchy. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      The term aristocracy refers to a form of government where power is hereditary, and split between a small number of families. ... Specific to the United States, the Social Register is a directory of names and addresses of the powerful and wealthy individuals who form the social elite, though until recently not necessarily the political or corporate elite; inclusion in the Social Register was formerly a guide to the members of polite... Poster from the 1958 Sandra Dee film, The Reluctant Debutante A debutante (or deb) (French word for female beginner) is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation...

The socialite as a distinct class in American cities arose in the late 19th century Gilded Age. Newspapers expanded greatly, and reported the balls, parties and other entertainments among the also expanding class of rich people and social climbers. Many newspapers published these reports in a regular "Society" page or section, and the persons who were regularly reported there came to be called "socialites." The Breakers, a gilded-age mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ...

The impact of socialites derived not so much from their artistic realisations (then they would be known primarily as author or performer, etc.) or from their official social stature (then they would be called politician, industrialist, etc.), or wealth, as from their less-tangible ability to dominate the social scene and use personal charisma to achieve prominence. The term "socialite" may be used in a string of descriptive nouns, as "author, entrepreneur and socialite," but was perhaps most often used of a prominent person who did not easily fit into any other category. Cosette Dwyer is an amazing author. ... The performing arts include theater, motion pictures, drama, comedy, music, dance, opera, magic and the marching arts, such as brass bands, etc. ...

Perle Mesta was perhaps the last great American socialite. Socialites and celebrities were briefly united in the jet set around 1960 but in later years the former group were absorbed or displaced by the latter. Television news gave little attention to high society, and in the 1970s newspapers curtailed or discontinued their daily "Society" page, instituted a Sunday "Style" section, and neglected socialites unless they were also celebrities. Perle Mesta (October 12, 1889, Sturgis, Michigan - March 16, 1975, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) was an American society figure, political hostess, and ambassador to Luxembourg (1949 - 1953). ... For the 1998 movie, see Celebrity (1998 movie). ... Categories: Move to Wiktionary | Stub ...

The stock market boom of the 1980s and other developments in the regilded age of the late 20th century produced a plentiful nouveau riche class, but their interest in the customary rituals of the old monied elite ranged from tepid distaste to mild curiosity and did not bring new life to the moribund institution. For bands under the name Nouveau Riche, see Nouveau Riche (band). ...

See also

• Examples of people often considered to be socialites
• Social Register
• Debutante
• Junior League
• Celebrity

Specific to the United States, the Social Register is a directory of names and addresses of the powerful and wealthy individuals who form the social elite, though until recently not necessarily the political or corporate elite; inclusion in the Social Register was formerly a guide to the members of polite... Poster from the 1958 Sandra Dee film, The Reluctant Debutante A debutante (or deb) (French word for female beginner) is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation... The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. ... “Megastar” redirects here. ...

External links

• "The List" of other socialites for New York Social Diary Website
• Socialite Life