This is one of those "difference in kind" vs "difference in degree" discussions.

I totally agree with your observation that this KIND of thing has always been true.

All cultures contain all the same human traits and tendencies. But each culture is defined by the DEGREE to which it encourages or discourages a behavior.

So here's my point: it appears to be true that western culture is going through a phase in which we not only accept slackness, we have institutionalized it. As long as people have enough money to eat, this will probably continue.

Historically when times get tough, cultures get more rigid and demanding