This is a list of the occupations of the fathers of girls who were pupils at Manchester High School for Girls in 1875. 

What to look at in the list

Victorian Manchester was an important manufacturing town. The list of fathers' occupations shows this.

Manufacturers and merchants: manufacturers were factory owners. Wholesale merchants bought goods in large amounts at discounted prices.

Agents, cashiers, salesmen and travellers: they were all on the selling side of industry. Agents represented manufacturers. Cashiers kept records of payments. Salesmen and travellers went to different outlets such as shops and arranged deals to sell goods. 

Ministers: they were ministers of the Christian religion.

Without an occupation: they had an income from property, land or investments. They were quite well off.

Tasks

Why are all occupations in the list those of the fathers and not the mothers of the girls at Manchester High School?

This list is taken from an information booklet which was sent out to parents. Why do you think that this list was included in such a booklet?