Country to country cultural comparisons are often difficult.
When I was studying for my teaching credential we had a required class on how to deal with 'minorities' - people of color, women, and the disabled. (Yes, women are not a minority, but the theory was they were treated like a minority.)
The main teacher was a Mexican-American man, a very bright, former serviceman. At one point he emphasized that many MA females were shy around men and that male teachers had to take that into account and not assume that they were stupid or apathetic. They just didn't see themselves as active, vocal participant in the class. Especially with a male teacher.
The lady who taught the 'woman' part of the class was adamant that we challenge ALL female students including the shy MA students. Our job was to break the stereotype and get them involved even if it made the girl uncomfortable.
In my review of the class I suggested they get together and figure out what we were supposed to do.
Adjusting for cultural differences is difficult with the exception of extremes. Nobody should be beaten or killed for disobeying her husband. But, if one culture wants its females to cover their hair because they are afraid their daughters will end up like certain female pop stars
, who can say they are wrong?
One lesson from the class always stuck with me. No matter whatever your race, gender or nationality, there was one minority group any of us could always become part of , sometimes suddently - the disabled.
Good discussion.