ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evolution of the incivilities thesis over the past twenty-five years. It summarizes different versions of the incivilities thesis. The distinct variants of the incivilities thesis have been proposed by Wilson-Garofalo-Laub, Hunter, Wilson and Kelling, Lewis and Salem, and Skogan. The chapter describes the central processes highlighted by each theory placing these versions of the incivilities thesis in a temporal ordering reveals several clear shifts in emphasis and scope over the period, which are described. It briefly summarizes empirical support to date for some of the key hypotheses in each version of the theory. The chapter addresses some measurement questions raised by the incivilities thesis. The measurement questions receive detailed consideration, using data from five different cities: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Seattle. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the policy, practice, and theory implications of these measurement results.
