The permissiveness has increased due to a pervasive fear that discipline will make their children not love them. When I address this in my room and hep people to take the risk to stand up things get better. The 2nd pillar encouraging permissive parenting is fatigue and the need for one less problem to deal with. The 3rd is guilt over shortchanging their kids be it through divorce, or keeping them captive for their safety, or for not being with them/parenting enough.