Dutiful Hijas: Dependency, Power, Guilt

The Spanish word "Hijas" is translated to daughter in English. In this text, Erica Martinez describes the role of women, daughters to be specific, in the Spanish culture. When mothers were to have daughters, Martinez explained it as having a second life insurance. Basically, daughters were suppose to be there for their mothers and care for them around the clock. It seems like it was their job to do that. In the text she gave a scenario if the mother were to have a son. That son would be obligated to go to school, but the mother would start saving up cash for their well being. Since Martinez's mother has separated with her husband after a long marriage, and she has medical issues, Martinez and her sister took it upon themselves to care for her. It is only right for them to take care of her, but it is really a duty if they are okay with the amount of care the mother will need? I believe it would become a duty if they were forced to. But then again, it is all part of traditions. The mother will always seek the help of their daughters.