My father is close to one of his brothers. Other than that, all his relations are shallow. But he has no social life.

Regarding the woman's story you told, I don't think men treat women like this in my culture, especially the new generation. But still, women are not where they are supposed to be. For example, women go to universities and work outside the house in office jobs, which is good, but at the same time, it is still seen as their "duty" to do the house work, which makes things very hard for them. Now a woman works outside and inside the house. The problem is that they are raised this way. For example, my mother or sister won't rely on me to do anything at home, because first it is perceived that I cannot do it right, and second because it is understood that it is their "job".

The Eastern cultures in general are restricting to the individual, and suppressing to women. Not all are the same, but it is true to varying degrees. The problem is that tradition is so entrenched in people's mind, that most people don't see the restrictions and suppression. Everything seems "normal" to them. On the contrary, freedom is perceived as "evil".