Individual differences in political tolerance among adolescents

In this study, political tolerance is defined as the willingness to extend human rights to different socio-political groups. Twelve rights based on Human Rights and the 13 sociopolitical groups most relevant to Spain were considered. Results based on 273 Spanish adolescents suggest that rights with a higher social component are extended more willingly than those which are more political in nature. Variables related to political tolerance were also investigated. Statistically, differences in political tolerance were found in terms of age, political experience, self esteem, support for democratic norms, support for violent groups, and identification with a group of friends, a religious group or a soccer team.