Absolutely, the lack of rights was an ever present issue.

Just because they didn't catcall doesn't mean they thought more highly of women. It means catcalling wasn't a thing and would not have tolerated on a societal level.

The only reason it exists now is because it's tolerated. The rules have changed. Men would never have approached women on the street at all then, you needed an introduction. At best they could leave a calling card or spoken with her male guardian about wishing to court.

That too, doesn't mean they didn't look and enjoy. They just didn't act like dogs upon seeing an attractive woman back then. They also weren't so entitled as to harass women for amusement or to bolster their self image of manhood.

Kind of makes you long for the days of duels doesn't it?