Political Tolerance and Ideology: Ideology as a Determinant of Political Tolerance

Abstract

This study examines whether or not political ideology is a strong determinant of political tolerance, as has been found in previous studies. Participants of this study (N = 258) were asked to complete a survey asking questions that would indicate their level of tolerance. Respondents identified their least-liked group in the beginning of the survey and answered questions about procedural rights in the context of that group. The results showed that respondents in this study had generally low levels of tolerance. When compared across political ideology, there is not a significant difference in the tolerance levels between those who identified themselves as conservatives, independents/moderates, and liberals. Furthermore, political ideology is not found to be a significant determinant in level of political tolerance.