I spent most of a recent year in the USA, but it was mostly in a small town, so not representative of living in a big city over there I am sure.

I understand what you say about it being the general state of things. It raises the question though - are all kids like this? I would guess no to be the answer. So if that is the case, what are the factors that affect some kids differently? Is it intelligence? Family income level? Religion/religiousness? Some other factor(s)?

My feeling (and it is just that, no more - no claim to be a qualified statement) is that the overwhelmingly big factor is somehow related to parental role-models and stability.