The word "incivism" is spelled with the prefix "in-" meaning "not" or "lack of", and the root word "civism" meaning "the practice of citizenship and civic duty". It is pronounced /ɪn'sɪvɪz(ə)m/. The "i" in "in-" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, while "civism" is pronounced with a long "ih" sound. "Incivism" refers to a lack of civic duty or responsibility, often leading to social disengagement or apathy. It is an important concept in politics and sociology.
Incivism refers to the act or behavior of being uninvolved, apathetic, or indifferent towards civic duties, responsibilities, or community engagement. It signifies a lack of interest, concern, or participation in the activities and affairs that contribute to the functioning and well-being of a society.
Incivism is characterized by a disengagement from political, social, or civic processes. It can manifest through non-participation in elections, lack of interest in public issues, or avoiding active involvement in community organizations or initiatives. Incivic individuals may exhibit a disregard for the common good and a limited sense of citizenship, choosing to prioritize their personal interests instead.
This concept contrasts with active citizenship, where individuals actively participate in democratic processes, exercise their rights and responsibilities, contribute to public life, and engage in causes that aim to foster a better society for all its members.
Incivism can have negative consequences on the functioning of a democratic society, as it weakens the overall participation and representation of citizens. It may contribute to a decreased sense of social cohesion, hinder the development of a collective voice, and limit the progress achieved through collective action and civic engagement.
Efforts to combat incivism typically involve raising awareness, promoting civic education, and encouraging individuals to actively participate in democratic processes, community activities, and public affairs.
The word "incivism" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "in" meaning "not" or "lack of" and "civis" meaning "citizen". The term "incivism" evolved from the Latin word "incivis" which means "uncivil" or "unruly". It refers to the lack of good citizenship, disregard for civic duties, or refusal to obey laws and social norms.