RIGHT-WING/LEFT-WING AUTHORITARIANISM AND POLITICAL INTOLERANCE: THE INFLUENCES OF TOLERANCE NORMS AND EMPATHY

Abstract

Much research has hitherto emphasised the links between political conservatism (i.e., right-wing) and political intolerance. However, literature studying the relationship between left-wing ideological views and political intolerance was lacking. Therefore, this research investigated the relationship of both right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and left-wing authoritarianism (LWA) on political intolerance. It was hypothesised that both RWA and LWA would have positive relationships with political intolerance. Furthermore, this study explored the moderating role of tolerance norms and empathy in attenuating these relationships between RWA/LWA and political intolerance. This study hypothesised that tolerance norms would attenuate the relationship between RWA and political intolerance. Also, the relationship between LWA and political intolerance would be attenuated by empathy. The hypotheses were tested through an online survey completed by Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 21 years and above (n = 200). Both RWA and LWA predicted political intolerance towards ideologically dissimilar targets. Tolerance norms attenuated the relationship between RWA and political intolerance towards left-wing targets. Empathy did not attenuate the relationship between LWA and political intolerance towards right-wing targets. Findings offer a greater understanding of how various factors shape political attitudes and behaviour. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.