Yes, they are a very misogynistic society. And as most peple know, misogynists have one..errr....physical deficiency in common. ;-)
The secularists are much different. The Iraqis I work with often make reference to clearing things with their wives (or else), keeping their wives happy so that things at home stay pleasant, etc. much like American couples.
I was quite surprised when I first heard comments like this, but there are many who don't buy into all that Islamofacist crap at all and practice more western social values.
Iran and Saudi are huge exceptions, since all of these weird edicts are actually part of their national law.
This is true amongst many in so called "male dominated" societies...
Typically, these are Potemkin villages...
Before my retirement - I spent much of my time in Japan and China... Many Japanese men refer to their wives as their "Financial Minister" - and are on a damned ALLOWANCE!.
The husband may run a Billion Dollar business - but once he crosses the threshold into his home - his Alpha Dog status remains OUTSIDE...
In China -- several of the heavy hitting executives I met, lived in abject fear of their wife --- while at the same time supporting at least one "girlfriend".... who was so dependent upon his "good will" and voluntary financial support - he could boss HER around....