What has Esmeralda learned about the societal expectations for men and women?

The main theme that stands against Esmeralda, both in Puerto Rico and in New York, is the problem of financial instability. Because her father is constantly leaving and staying with friends (girlfriends most likely, in Ramona's opinion), the family never knows where their money might be coming from. This instability might be what pushes Esmeralda to work hard enough to find her true potential, in spite of all the difficulties that poverty put in her path. Women must carry the burden of financial instability.