The apparently superficial concern with marriage in Pride and Prejudice masks a deeper social critique.

Austen uses Pride and Prejudice to paint a picture of arranged marriages, or marriages made in the hopes that they will be beneficial to both parties..... marriages based upon societal or monetary benefits. Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet both believe that marriage is a business transaction in which a woman must be the active party in securing a good match for herself. This pragmatic assessment stands in stark contrast to Elizabeth's more romantic worldview. However, at this period in history, at least in certain higher classes, if a man chose not to marry, he only risked loneliness and regret. Meanwhile, a woman in the same situation could lose her financial security. Therefore, it is understandable why Charlotte and Mrs. Bennet believe that a woman must consider employing manipulation for the sake of her future. Charlotte deliberately draws Mr. Collins's attention in order to secure a proposal. However, Jane does not follow Charlotte's advice and nearly loses Bingley's love in the process. Lydia takes a drastic action that forces her marriage to occur. It is only Elizabeth who operates entirely outside the societal norm, but Austen makes it clear that her situation is quite unique.

Another important aspect of this superficial concern with marriage in Pride and Prejudice is that of class distinctions and propriety in relation to the same. Due to initial misunderstandings Darcy advices Bingley against associating with Jane as he considers her to be below their class status. This almost breaks the affection between Jane and Bingley and causes further misunderstandings between Elizabeth and Darcy. Near the end of the novel we also observe the reprehensible behavior of Lady Catherine who even though motivated purely by the previously described mercantile interests on behalf of her daughter, expects Elizabeth to roll over and promise not to marry Darcy just because it would be a breach of class rank.