I don't think comparing the U.S. to other countries is as useful as comparing the U.S. to itself a couple of generations ago. While this may be an oversimplification, a certain basic attitude has changed. It used to be that one would be deeply ashamed of accepting a government handout or any sort of charity or welfare really. People would do absolutely anything to avoid that. Today, it doesn't bother people and many actively seek out ways to get "free" stuff and there is generally more of it available now.