Toward an Empirical Theory of Tolerance

Abstract

This article tests the thesis of pluralistic intolerance developed by Sullivan and his colleagues. The thesis attempts to explain the survival of democracy in the United States despite high levels of political intolerance. The test is conducted with survey data from Israel and Costa Rica. The targets and levels of intolerance in both countries are reported and it is found that in neither one does the thesis seem to apply. The findings lead to the conclusion that political tolerance by itself cannot explain the survival of democratic regimes.