I was thinking various types of socialism is permeating those societies via education.
Rather than developing critical thinking skills (which has been lamented in the US educational system for the past decade or so), they enforce “The government will take care of you,” mentality.
The so-called intellectuals love this idea. Dont think for yourself, let us, your betters, do it for you.
But I do think nutrition and our great and wonderful tech revolution are to blame as well.