The “ideal woman” was an idea that found great favour in Victorian society. Women were seen as pure things that should not have to partake in heavy labour. Therefore, the only options open to a woman who wanted, or more likely needed, to work were either some form of domestic help, skilled labour or, for those who were fortunate enough to be educated, teaching.

As far as household help went there were a variety of jobs available to women. The richer the household, the more differing jobs there were to be filled. These would have included cook, chamber maid, scullery maid, ladies maid and governess.