Holy fucking shit man, can you generalize people anymore? You do realize what you are quoting is a small fucking minority right? I'm 24, work 40 hours as an IT tech and am currently starting up my own business, I must lack work ethic because my parents didn't beat my ass! I have plenty of friends working in trades anywhere from electricians to lineman to plumbers, all work 40+ hours and are either in the process of buying a house or live at home helping their parents out.
You do realize one can live with their parents when they're in their 20's right? Maybe the kid needs help getting started in life or hey maybe just maybe the parents fell on hard times and their child is helping them now. Stop projecting like a fucking "back in mahh day" derp, makes you look like a fucking moron.
- - - Updated - - -
Still from what you described you didn't beat him, it sounds like your wife simply had enough and gave him some shit while I imagine shoving him or whatnot. Granted people like sticking to extremes every chance they get. No shit it's not black and white and things will always be different but the second you have to start beating someone to get a point across you've failed.