This study aimed to empirically examine the factors influencing political tolerance among members of conservative political parties in South Korea. Specifically, it investigated the indirect effect and moderating effects of party attachment on the rel...
This study aimed to empirically examine the factors influencing political tolerance among members of conservative political parties in South Korea. Specifically, it investigated the indirect effect and moderating effects of party attachment on the relationships between these factors and political tolerance. In addition, through in-depth interviews, the study explored age-specific factors affecting political tolerance among conservative party members.
To achieve the objectives of this study, the quantitative component of the mixed-methods research involved conducting a survey of 310 members of the conservative People Power Party who reside in Gangbuk-gu Seoul and are actively engaged in party activities. Seoul. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 28.0, employing descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis. In addition, as part of the qualitative research, in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires to explore the factors influencing political tolerance among conservative party members across different age groups, ranging from their twenties to their seventies.
The findings are as follows.
First, the average level of party attachment among conservative party members was relatively high, with a mean score of 3.76 out of 5, whereas the average level of political tolerance was 2.53, slightly below the moderate level. Regarding demographic characteristics, party members whose household monthly income ranged between KRW 4 million and KRW 5 million exhibited higher levels of party attachment than those in other income groups. In addition, party members in their 40s and those who were unemployed or retired demonstrated higher levels of political tolerance than other respondents.
Second, the analysis of main effects revealed that stronger party affiliation and more positive attitudes toward the conservative party were associated with lower levels of political tolerance. In contrast, more positive attitudes toward progressive parties were associated with higher levels of political tolerance.
Third, the results of the indirect effect analysis showed that party attachment had a significant indirect effect on the relationship between social identity and political tolerance.
Fourth, the moderation analysis showed that social identity did not moderate the relationship between party affiliation and political tolerance. Similarly, perceived threat did not moderate the relationship between party attachment and political tolerance.
Fifth, the results of the in-depth interviews revealed that conservative party members generally believed that political opponents should enjoy equal rights in a democratic society. The interviews also indicated that family background, education, and social experiences played important roles in shaping their political values. Rather than a single factor, political values were formed through the complex interaction of individual life experiences and environmental influences.
This study is significant in that it empirically identifies the factors influencing political tolerance among conservative party members in a context where systematic research on political tolerance among party members remains limited. From a practical perspective, the findings provide implications for party management and policy development. From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes to establishing a foundational framework for understanding political tolerance among members of conservative political parties.