I think also it is about how 'big' your world is. How many possibilities you can see around you, and that is what changes that perspective from 'I want to control what is around me' to 'I want to be in control with myself and make better choices'.
If I am in a very unequal relationship, but I think there are no equal couples or men with good perspective on it or whatever around (:D!), I would stay in it, since maybe it is usual in my society. But if I saw enough of the world and I know it doesn't have to be that way, and I would feel more in control with myself and look for something else. Same is with friendships, with jobs, with whatever.
Interesting view on the societal impact. We can't want better until we know it's possible, but even then I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side as they say. Thanks for reading and sharing your perspective.