@bsj- to just give a little perspective to your post. Many Sears and Kmarts are in smaller communities where employment opportunities are limited. Second, you are correct, sometimes people do make mistakes or bad decisions in their lives. But when someone is trying to better themselves and taking whatever job they can get then what do you want them to do? should they turn the job down because it doesnt pay enough or it is not full time with benefits. Or are you one of those people that will complain if someone is trying and also complain when they sit at home and collect welfare? You can't have it both ways.
Third, who cares how many kids they have. I have four and both myself and my wife were working until she got cancer and had to quit her job. We both are college educated and had jobs that paid well.
I had to take a part time job along with my regular job to make ends meet. Her job carried the health care and we are in debt over $300,000 in medical cost even with the insurance.
Finally, I hope that when something happens in your life, and it will because it happens to all of us, you look back and think about your statement of "What I'm saying is we are a product of our own environment" I hope your environment never changes but if and when it does be prepared. Have a good day and I wish you a better heart for humanity.