> You guys

One of the reasons I chose to move to Europe is because I value the mininal safety nets and labor protections on this side of the pond. Yes, I make less money and pay more taxes but I believe this is how society should work, I reject the hyper individualism that ignores any sort of collective.

But I am also not naive. Expecting individuals to take the burden for decisions way beyond their control is silly. It takes immense fortitude to threaten the well being of those dear to you based on principle, when the only outcome is your own suffering (the company will likely find another employee right away anyway).

The best way to evaluate any society is to look at what happens to people without power in the system. Inmates, illegals, the poor and children.

Actually the social safety net has allowed Europeans a level of individualism that is completely unimaginable for the rest of the world.

No charity from church or family needed. Just the State- and it does not care about your religion or sexual preferences.