Psychology?

Question

How is our society impacted by either developmental or motivational issues? (an embedded issue is if there is some way to motivate individuals who live on a 'welfare attitude to progress to a self-reliant state).

Answer 1

When all else fails, go behavioral on their A*****S.
The New Deal was supposed to be temporary. The Great Society gave Americans a sense of entitlement. That goes beyond fixing the economy, it means a permanent structure of "I'm an American; Give me everything for free."
Take it all away.
Let the weakest die off, sorry, it's true, and everyone else struggle for survival.
Oh, and maybe the staunchly individualist, selfish, competetive, greedy culture that we've become will learn to find forgiveness and empathy in our families, and people will take care of each other again.
Nah, not likely.
Just tax us all to death.
It's easier that way.
We can all starve, but we won;t have to look at "Mom who hit me" or "Dad who, um, abused me"... except, if we all took care of our uncles or aunts instead, those who didn't hurt us, we could swing it.
Ah, shucks, at least we all die in peace, right?

Answer 2

Currently, in the U.S. there is little being done to promote and motivate those enslaved to the social welfare system and government handouts to become self-sufficient. The government has repeatedly attempted to "reform" those systems, but has never approached the root cause of the evil. Hurricane Katrina highlighted this and very few took note and still, even fewer were motivated to take action against it. As the system stands currently -- and has since it's inception, the definition for success is: "See, look how many we've signed up! The system is working." The system is not working. We have a generational class of citizens living at or below poverty and relying exclussively on govermental support. What needs to happen is the institution of a "down-sizing" program whereby, those currently on said programs are taught to be self sufficient and those applying are indoctrinated into instructional classes designed to keep them off such programs.
If every citizen were allotted a percentage of funds set aside from the day they are born, enough to allow them subsistance for three years (rent, food, utilities and sundries) to be drawn upon as needed. And if, they were provided a "free" education geared exclusively towards providing that individual with a marketable skill or trade, and in return, they could be given option to repay or pay more into that account and were required to perform a small civil service -- day care for those who attend said school, etc. until the debt was paid in full, we could conceivably do away with the current system which is fraught with flaws and abuse. Should they chose not to repay, when their money is gone, they are simply to do without a safety net and whatever happens, happens. It would nolonger be the responsibility of "We the People."
The societal impact? Currently, we have those who pay taxes to support those who do not. Those who do not pay and work at best, minimum wage jobs are a burden and a sad commentary on today's society. Those on the social welfare on other support programs have grown to expect and demand what they believe is due them. Still, there are those who absolutely need the assist and will refuse to ask. This current system is markedly dividing the population into one of "The Haves" Vs "The Have Nots." The have nots are disenfranchised and disenchanted.