“…As a new occupation, the women who were later employed were in no position to under‐value themselves, as might have been the case for other established occupations (Babcock and Laschever, 2003; Calhoun and Smith, 1999; Thornicroft, 1993). Indeed, as their work expanded beyond the remit developed later by the local authorities, the women were keenly aware of their under‐valuation and were vocal about it (Warhurst et al ., 2009; Equal Opportunities Commission, 2007, respectively). Any voice that they may have wanted and needed at the point of inception, however, was obviated.…”