Great posts from Malcolm Storey and the Observer above. Though they are conflicting, both have many valid points.
The boomers (of which I'm one) broke free from the old disciplines of conscription, and social/religious doctrine however, the increase of affluence has made people less reliant on each other, spawning the 'me' society.

True freedom comes with responsibility. The lack of the latter has brought us to where we are today. Dog eat dog.