"Is it possible that the trend away from homework may be one small step away from the culture of dependency we’ve instilled in recent generations?" Recently???

I had home work,and still managed to enjoy my own existence...however, I wasn't a "Reader" I was a doer.

But maybe the idea has merit, I can kinda see the point, maybe, it would give the kids some time to absorb the days lessons and it would require our Teachers to do a better job.

Anytime your time is managed by others may in fact make you dependent upon others to give you direction.