<i>The reverse (man marrying a woman of higher social standing) was very much an exception.</i><p>I&#x27;d argue against that. There&#x27;s precedence in older wealthy women marrying younger man of lower social standing.<p>Queen Victoria of the British Empire marrying Prince Albert is one example of a woman marrying a man of lower social standing (though they are of the same age).<p><i>in Albert&#x27;s own words, &quot;I am very happy and contented; but the difficulty in filling my place with the proper dignity is that I am only the husband, not the master in the house.&quot;</i><p>It may be uncomfortable for the man in question, but it has happened.