EXAMINING HOW RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, POLITICAL VIEWS, MEDIA CONSUMPTION, AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION INFLUENCE SOCIAL TOLERANCE LEVELS

Abstract

This study examines the multifaceted relationships between religious affiliation, political ideology, media consumption patterns, geographic location, and social tolerance levels in contemporary society. Using a quantitative approach with SPSS analysis of survey data from 2,847 participants across diverse demographic groups, this research investigates how these four key variables independently and collectively influence attitudes toward social diversity, minority rights, and cultural pluralism. The findings reveal significant correlations between conservative religious affiliations and lower tolerance scores (r = -.342, p < .001), while liberal political orientations demonstrate positive associations with tolerance measures (r = .418, p < .001). Media consumption patterns show differential effects, with social media usage correlating with decreased tolerance (r = -.289, p < .001) and traditional news media showing positive correlations (r = .267, p < .001). Geographic analysis reveals substantial urban-rural divides, with metropolitan areas demonstrating significantly higher tolerance scores (M = 4.23, SD = 0.87) compared to rural regions (M = 3.41, SD = 1.12). Multiple regression analysis indicates that these four variables collectively explain 47.3% of the variance in social tolerance scores (R² = .473, F (4,2842) = 637.45, p < .001). These findings contribute to understanding the complex determinants of social cohesion and have implications for policy development, educational initiatives, and community building efforts in increasingly diverse societies.