Sure, avoid "sweeping generalizations", but I would propose that individual cases can be examined better when a general framework is available. To put it another way, what the above tells us is the old adage about "the plural of anecdote is not data" and it would be valuable to examine the data.
To respond to your wager (in the first paragraph) I actually do not know a single person who stays at home, shoots drugs, etc and sponges off relatives. I know many who struggle in multiple ways to keep their families afloat ... yes often relying on assistance from family, but as a last resort and with much shame.
--ravi
-- If you wish to contact me, you will get my attention faster by substituting "r" for "listmail" in my email address. Thank you!