Security

Many American families we have encountered since moving here are dual-income families. And I'm convinced that, the vast majority of the time, it is not because they're greedy. It's not because they're materialistic. It's not because they don't want to spend time with their kids.

It's because the American dream is so insecure.

Things can go wrong, and frequently do. And when they do, there is comparatively minimal government support. So American residents feel the need to have a back-up source of income, in case one of them loses their job. This could also explain why Americans seem to work so much harder and longer than Australians; they are trying to make themselves indispensable to their employer.

American readers, do you think my interpretations are accurate?