MOST of us become tolerant about social change. Even illustrious

families have to admit gangsters, kidnappers, cattle rustlers, etc.,

among their forebears, and we rarely hold it against them. All that

really matters, said Thackeray, is getting away with it. There can be

few more ruthless schemers than his Becky Sharp. She took her degree in

reputation, he said, when she was presented to George IV -- the

''Premier Gentilhomme of Europe'' -- after which, he added

sarcastically, it would be flat disloyalty to doubt her virtue. Almost

all of us want this unprincipled little minx to succeed.

Unlike Becky, young ladies are no longer presented at court, and yet

around 150 of them still contrive to be called debutantes and to do the

''season''. There is said to be a whirlwind of summer balls and cocktail

parties ahead, the ultimate aim of which is to meet eligible bachelors.

The whole process has these days become somewhat lax. According to Peter

Townsend, social consultant of the Tatler, anyone can be a deb.

The latest example of social change comes from Japan, where gangsters

are changing profession overnight. New laws insist that gangs of more

than 1000 members must include only 42 convicted criminals, which has

placed severe strains on Japan's 89,000 mobsters and their 3300 clubs.

The more ingenious societies are changing their corporate identity. Some

have registered as garden design companies. Others have become

profit-making religions. The only way Tokyo matrons may gain an inkling

that seemingly eligible bachelors are criminals is that their little

fingers are missing -- a traditional punishment for minor offences, or a

sign of loyalty to the boss. Fortunately there is always some way to

allow new people into society. Japan's leading cosmetic surgeon, who

replaces little fingers with toes, is booked solid for the rest of the

year.