Are you wondering whether some humans are better than others?! Eh, I don't have the research to know that's not the case, but this seems like an extraordinary hypothesis
You know how everyone talks about the Finnish education system? That system was completely planned, designed, and transitioned into in the semi-recent past.
Sure, like women getting educated, working, and having equal rights? Universal literacy and education? Instant global telecommunications? Democracy? ... I think it can be done!
It took a couple decades really. I don't think what happened in 9th century Japan was really relevant to the modern women's rights movement.
They delivered the results, and there's nothing you can say that changes the facts. You seem to really want to believe, and everyone to believe, how hopeless you are.
It’s very difficult to address culture in the US without being accused of victim blaming or bias.
But the uncomfortable truth is that some cultural practices simply do produce better neighbors and coworkers and compatriots than do others.