Is rejection of authority more common now? The stereotypical Millennial (according to marketers and social scientists who do lots of polling) has more respect for authority than either "Gen Xers" or baby boomers.

The same people will argue that todays 20-somethings are more collaborative and also less patient. One could argue that these latter characteristics might foster entrepreneurship.

What I think is most important is: 1. Demographics. There are a lot of "young adults" these days, and typically the young have a greater tolerance for risk. They typically don't have mortgages or kids.

2. Expectations. ~15 years ago we saw the first wave of "downsizing." Previously, people had reasonable expectation that if they were loyal to their employer, their employer would be loyal to them. Todays young adults have no such expectation, and many of them have witnessed the aftermath of putting too much faith in an employer both through their parents and grandparents.

3. Declining needs for capital. It's been said repeatedly, but it's just so much cheaper to start up a company.

One could argue that children are less likely to obey their parents and when they grow older less likely to want a boss of any sort.

This might even explain the sorts of places where you find startup hubs in the US.

It's more common because less capital is needed to start a business.