Yes, because the surrounding culture is assumed to be based on false religions. The ironic thing is that today many Jews critique the very things about their host cultures that are ultimately derived from Judaism and instead engage in stuff like "bringing down the moon," earth worship, and other kinds of `avodah zarah.
Don't you think "conservatism" is required to preserve Jewish Tradition for over 3300 years?
I think Jews relish being exclusive outsiders.
When they own their own world like in Israel...for a super smart peoples....they govern confused.