No there is definitely a social stigma. Not to mention the financial cost of divorce which frankly shouldn't really be. it is like society wants to make it tough to get out of it for a myriad of reasons.

I also believe in the "arranged alliances" thing. I think that even happens now, a LOT. I suspect many hollywood marriages are arranged alliances and I also suspect that in politics. Obama and his wife and Hillary and Bill. I suspect at the top levels marriage is more like a mutual pact for getting what you want and both cheat as long as they keep it on the down low.