This research proposal addresses the issue of incivility in urban public space of Czech cities. It employs the analysis of incivility in order to overcome the theoretical rift between the interactionist approach of Erving Goffman on the one hand and the present debates in critical geography on the other. The term „incivility“ includes such conduct which is inconsistent with the formal and informal norms of conduct in public space. The proposal uses a number of research methods to follow the changing definitions of incivility in Czech cities after 1989, when the term „public space“ first entered Czech legal system. It proposes to study the changing legal definitions of incivility as well as definitions of acceptability documented in the media. In particular, it focuses on the role of marginalised groups as perceived perpetrators of incivil conduct and on the conflicts over public space. It also studies the changing meaning of incivility in the newly arising privatised spaces. Lastly, it addresses the historical changes in the role of women in public space .

Publications