Socialites are wealthy individuals who organize or attend social events, receiving respect and reputation among their peers. Historically, socialites were wives or mistresses of royalty or nobility, using their resources to finance a lavish lifestyle. Today, socialites may also be involved in charitable causes and political support. The lifestyle is often passed down through generations, but can be difficult due to the pressure of reputation and compliance. The negative effects of a life in the spotlight have been seen in historical figures such as Madame de Pompadour, Jackie O, and Princess Diana.
A socialite is someone who spends much of their time organizing or attending social events. While not compensated monetarily for their efforts, members of high society may receive payments in other forms, such as increased respect or reputation among their peers. Worldly people are usually quite wealthy of independent means, as they must have time and resources to devote to their social pursuits.
Some of the earliest socialites were the wives or mistresses of royalty or nobility. Until recently, a queen’s or lady’s work was mostly ceremonial, leaving them with a great deal of free time. Some royal or noble ladies devoted themselves to charitable works, but many used their husband’s or family’s resources to finance a brilliant life.
In those days, being worldly was not necessarily a pleasure, but rather a duty and a means of survival. Painfully shy queens, often from foreign countries, were sometimes forced to play a pretty, wealthy stewardess to people who despised and looked down on her. Mistresses also had to pay high prices for their social reputations, desperately using their personal skills to win favor with the court and keep the interest of their royal lovers. The night she received news that her beloved daughter had died, the famous 18th-century socialite Madame de Pompadour was forced to dress up and celebrate for a party, otherwise she risked the fickle affections of King Louis XV of France.
As wealth increased across America in the 19th century, the socialite developed into a role that brought power and influence. Wealthy women, who rarely worked or raised their children, built an elaborate social structure based on financial means and social skills. Men enriched by inheritance rather than career also lived the life of a socialite, an existence kindly mocked by Oscar Wilde in his play The Ideal Husband. As in the past, the mundane world remained a dangerous hotbed of intrigue, blackmail and gossip.
Today, the lifestyle of worldly people remains tied to wealth and leisure. However, not all modern socialites are indifferent to social issues, and many flashy events are held as benefits or fundraisers for charitable causes. Spouses and family members of politicians often maintain a social lifestyle, organizing lunches, parties and activities to support the career of their political relative.
Social life is often passed down from generation to generation, particularly in extremely wealthy or aristocratic families. Children are often expected to take on caregiving duties for their age group, so even pre-teens can have an early entry into the social worker lifestyle. The intriguing and cruel side of this lifestyle is a popular topic for entertainment; in 2007, Gossip Girl, one of the year’s most successful new television shows, focuses on the lives of New York City’s socialite teens and their parents.
While it may seem pleasant to laze around planning parties and having brunch, worldly people can have a difficult life. Life is often about reputation and compliance, and it can be a tough place for anyone controversial. From Madame de Pompadour to Jackie O to Princess Diana, the effects of a life in the spotlight have proven potentially detrimental to leading a happy life.
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