In an era in which decent, high-paying jobs are hard to find, and in which the workforce-participation rate is at lows not seen since the late 1970s, gainful employment turns into something of a status item. That allows us to rationalize the increasing hours we put in on the job — often done because we fear the consequences of saying no — as choice. Then we turn around and demean others who don’t work.
I quite agree with the content of this article, but I can assure you that it's not an uniquely American thing. Same mentality here in good old Germany - just not as far down the road, yet.