These same situations were seen in the movie "Camilla" and are prominent in Latin American culture. Abuse is the repercussion of the daughter's disobedience for whatever actions lead upset the head of the family. Most girls seem to have respect for their dads but also have a great fear of them. On page 32 it says that Alicia only fears mice and fathers illustrating this theme of dominance that begins at home and escalates through Latino women's lives. In accepting this however, they create dependence later down the road for men even if they are overly aggressive. The character Marin is one of these people who depend on men and she waits for a specific one to come change her life and gives her a purpose in the whole cyclical culture (p27). The odd and sometimes disappointing aspect about the aggressive nature of fathers and other men women form relationships with (other than the abuse), is that the women always return to the abusive situation as if there were no other option. This is the case in the situation of Minerva who is another of Esperanza's friends. Her husband beats her and after she leaves the house he always apologizes. Upon her return she is beaten again the same as she always was before (p85).
Ethnicity goes hand in hand with gender because men and women have specific gender roles. This is often how it is in their native culture as well. Men and women are expected to accomplish and do specific things in Latino American society (even though many times these tasks and goals aren't fulfilled). Women cook, sew, wash clothes, raise the kids and attend to the rest of the home-orientated responsibilities. Esperanza's grandmother fell into this situation and lived unhappily looking out the window while she cooked every day. Even when women are talented and have potential they are still, more often than not, kept at home and sheltered as in the case of Esperanza's mother.