ariel -
Yes this topic has been done to death a million times. It's evident in all walks of life but in my opinion these days it is generally, as Monocock says, light hearted banter.
Women are more than capable of not only sticking up for themselves but giving as good as, or better than, they get. I get it at least once a week that my girlfriend earns more than me.
There is one thing that intregues me - women want equal rights, equal pay etc but they still want to see chivlalry from us blokes (opening doors etc).