Female Travelers in Eastern Europe - Chauvenism or Chivalry?

Female travelers to Eastern Europe may find a strange dicotomy in how they, and other, females are treated. While you may get the door held for you even when it is absolutely unnecessary, you may also hear yourself or other women (waitresses, cashiers, etc.) barked at. A favorite way to address a female server in Russia is by saying, "Dyevushka!" which, given the tone of voice, is the English equivalent of, "Hey, girl!" (or "Hey, you!"). Since the idea of customer service hasn't really caught on in Russia, it may seem like waitresses and their customers have an equal playing field; however, to a Russian-speaking American, it may still sound rough to the ears. Exaggerated chivalry is part of the climate in many parts of Eastern Europe, and one sometimes wonders if it is a symptom of patriarchy or despite of it.