Research on social class and intolerance in the context of American history and ideology

Abstract

This article examines the trends reported in empirical investigations of the relationship between social class and intolerance over the last three decades in the light of American history and ideology. Two key studies are cited as landmark works: The Authoritarian Personality and Communism, Conformity, and Civil Liberties. The author notes that findings from both works, as well as conclusions drawn from related studies, have been interpreted as supporting an essentially negative view of the lower classes with regard to tolerance of nonconformity. A brief critique of research findings is presented.