Political Tolerance among Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract This study provides a reconceptualization and extension of the traditional view of political tolerance. Political tolerance is defined as the willingness to extend basic human rights to one's least-liked socio-political group; basic human rights are defined as those rights delineated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Results of research based on a sample of 480 youth from one southeastern metropolitan area are presented. Statistically significant differences in political tolerance were found in terms of gender, political experiences, cognitive moral reasoning, and perceived threat; no differences were demonstrated between younger and older age groups or between blacks and whites. The results are discussed within the context of previous research findings.