What is the purpose of being a "debutante"? Why would a debutante want to make a "debut" into society?

Question

I don't understand this subject at all.

Answer 1

Debutante debut.... that's a good play on words :P

Answer 2

In years past, in the wealthier circles of society, women were kept in their homes, and schooled in the things she would need to know to run a house.  If her father was quite wealthy, then he could make sure that she would have a fairly large dowry.  A Debutante was a young woman ( usually at least 16) who was being allowed to go to parties, operas, races, etc., etc.  So a debutante ball was usually held to introduce her to all of the young eligible batchelors, so one of them could marry her.

With todays elite society, they still have debutantes, but it is more of a social thing, than a husband hunting procedure.

Answer 3

I think they used to call the dances 'coming out' balls.  Now they call them 'sweet sixteen' parties.

Answer 4

It's a dumb outdated ritual for overprivileged teenage girls.