This isn't a cultural effect, this is a Human effect.
What I don't understand is why haven't anyone done a comparison of modern day China, arguably at the same stage of development as the Industrial revolution (Circa 1800) era Britain/France. Anyone read any stories from that time period could easily do a one-to-one social phenomenon comparison. Young homeless/helpless girl frozen to death/killed on the street on Christmas day/broad day light without anyone batting an eye? Check. Middle class is generally a crappy place to be in society? Check. Oliver Twist? Any stories by Victor Hugo? Charles Dickens? Thomas Carlyle? Any Victorian era writing?
