Depended on the current ruler and the traditions and laws of the court. In almost every regime, the male aristocracy served as officers in the military. They also served the state in various political and administrative capacities, as these roles up until the 19th century were generally not open to the middle and lower classes. Notable exceptions being in the Dutch Republic and Great Britain. On the other hand, female artistrocracy had two purposes: 1. produce children and 2. entertain (in many aspects).
