How important generally was social standing
A historical question. Inspired by another thread. How important generally and for different types of people ( men vs women, married vs unmarried) was social class or reputation. Regency set books often focus on unmarried women seeking marriage. Obviously, for them social status and reputation are really important. But does that carry through to others?
How would someone Mr Darcy marrying way down actually impact him? Does Mr Bennett face any social consequences from Lydia's scandal? How socially free is Lady Catherine to be scandalous? Would Mr Knightly and Mr Martin have more contact/ business or social relationship than Mrs Kightly and Mrs Martin? How much would Harriet's birth impact her reputation/ standing with people at the level of the Martins?