Civic-mindedness and citizenship – in the broad sense of civic behavior – are about deep respect for the community and the public good, just as civility is about deep respect for individuals and groups in private relationships.
Other definitions of the word civism that seem relevant to us:
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A citizen’s dedication and attachment to the City, such that he assumes his duties before claiming his rights (1)
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A steadfast commitment to fulfilling one’s responsibilities as a citizen, with concern for the common good taking precedence over selfish views of life and partisan interests. (2)
(1) Source: Wiktionnaire
(2) Source: Grand Dictionnaire terminologique (Office québécois de la langue française).
Narrow (aged) definition:
Virtues and sentiments of the good citizen
Source: Mediadico dictionary
Comparing citizenship and civic-mindedness
In the world of education, the term “citizenship education ” is tending to replace the term “civic instruction“, which for some years has been seen as limited to passive learning of the workings of democracy, and as outdated and uninspiring for young people.
See also: Citizenship, where this distinction is supported.