SOCIAL CLASSES IN AUSTEN'S TIME: http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2008/01/20/social-classes-in-england-1814/
The oldest son would inherit the family inheritance. This is evident in Persuasion when their is no immediate male heir to take the family fortune. We learn in Chapter 9 of Mansfield Park that the second son, like Edmund, would have to hold a profession in order to provide for him and his family. Appropriate professions for the second son were law, clergy, medicine, and military.
Law: Mr. Palmer and Isabella's father are both lawyers in Austen's novels. Here is a link about the inheritance laws in Austen's time.
http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/category/british-inheritance-laws/
Medicine: Medicine was not the refined profession that it is seen today. The wealthy were able to afford medical professionals to come visit their homes and care for the ill.
http://logicmgmt.com/1876/overview/medicine/hospitals.htm
Clergy: In many of the novels, clerical men are not necessarily called to vocation. Dr. Grant in Mansfiled Park indulges, Henry Tinley in Northanger Abbey lacks commitment and spends most of his time away from the parish. Edmund, as the second son, fell into the profession of a clergyman. This is discussed in Chapter 9 of Volume 1.
"If Edmund were but
in orders!" cried Julia, and running to where he stood with Miss Crawford
and Fanny; "My dear Edmund, if you were but in orders now, you might
perform the ceremony directly. How unlucky that you are not ordained, Mr.
Rushworth and Maria are quite ready."
"Why should it
surprise you? You must suppose me designed for some profession, and might
perceive that I am neither a lawyer, nor a soldier, nor a
sailor."
"Very true; but, in short, it had not occurred to me. And
you know there is generally an uncle or a grandfather to leave a fortune to the
second son."
"A very praiseworthy practice," said Edmund,
"but not quite universal. I am one of the exceptions, and being
one, must do something for myself."
"'But why are you to be a
clergyman? I thought that was always the lot of the youngest, where
there were many to choose before him."
"Do you think the church
itself never chosen, then?"
"Never is a black word. But yes,
in the never of conversation, which means not very often, I do
think it. For what is to be done in the church? Men love to distinguish
themselves, and in either of the other lines, distinction may be gained, but
not in the church. A clergyman is nothing."
Overall, Edmund represents a man of feeling over a man of principle. Some more information about Austen's clergymen: http://www.starcourse.org/abbey/JACl.html
Navy: During the time of Persuasion, young men seized the opportunities available in service to earn a fortune. In Mansfield Park, Fanny's brother is a naval midshipman and Mr. Crawford helps him in order to court Fanny. The Navy is a central topic in Persuasion. Frederick Wentworth is an intelligent and ambition man. Anne turned down his engagement because he didn't have money. He goes into the Navy and emerges with great wealth. In chapter 3, the naval profession is discussed. Anne respects the admirable actions of naval men and believes British people should be indebted to these men. However, Sir Walter thinks it is a cheap way to move up the ranks and damaging to a man's appearance. Regardless, the general opinion of the naval profession is an admirable position. A tension thus arises between the falling elite and the rising naval men.
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