The Tolerance of Young, Well-Educated Poles
The Tolerance of Young, Well-Educated Poles

Summary/Abstract: Both local and international surveys show that Polish tolerance is increasing. Poles seem to prefer a fair and objective attitude towards others who differ from them in terms of beliefs, practices or origins, over xenophobic prejudices. Age and education are the two factors that are said to be correlated with the tolerance. The aim of the study was to gather the opinions of young well-educated Poles on the issues connected with tolerance. The research problem was the change in ethnic, personal and religious tolerance which was observed in the group of young, well-educated Poles over the last 7 years. The research was conducted at two of Cracow’s universities: the University of Science and Technology (AGH) and the University of Agriculture (UR). It was conducted in two rounds, in 2009 and 2016. In total, 132 participants took part in the study. All the participants filled out the questionnaire, which consisted of 57 questions on various aspects of tolerance. The tolerance for young Poles means primarily acceptance. The increase of the tolerance is visibly connected with the increase of the indifference toward otherness, the level of activity seems to be quite low. The reasons for the increase of the tolerance are greater experience and better knowledge about “others” and probably also smaller complexes in comparison to previous generations. The main reason for the decrease of the tolerance in some areas is fear. Although the majority of respondents seem to accept the ideas of tolerance, there is still a place for educators in reinforcing knowledge and courage of young Poles.

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