Education and Contextual Tolerance: Group-Relatedness and Consistency Reconsidered

Abstract

Two recent studies (Lawrence and Jackman) have challenged the results and implications of the "classic" studies (Stouffer, Prothro and Grigg, McClosky) of education and tolerance. The results of these newer studies indicate that education is not so important in producing political tolerance as previously thought. The present study critically assesses the newer studies and retests/extends their conclusions. The present study supports the results and implications of the "classic" studies. Education is directly related to tolerance and to consistency between general democratic principles and specific applications. Further, education reduces the group-relatedness of tolerance. The "revisionist" view of the effects of education on tolerance is rejected.