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Youth Norm Deviation and Intolerance: Pathways to Polarized Political Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions

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  • Sebastian Lutterbach

    (Department of Research Synthesis, Intervention and Evaluation, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany)

  • Andreas Beelmann

    (Department of Research Synthesis, Intervention and Evaluation, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany)

Abstract

This study examines the psychological foundations of political polarization among adolescents, emphasizing the role of norm deviation and intolerance in shaping polarized political attitudes and behavioral intentions. We applied a structural equation model with latent variables to analyze the relationships between norm deviation and intolerance and five indicators of political polarization in 1,211 adolescents (aged 15–22 years, M = 16.6, SD = 1.5). These five indicators of political polarization were: rejection of democracy, rejection of human rights, conspiracy mentality, hostility toward foreigners, and the affinity for political violence. Multi‐group structural equation modeling was conducted to explore the moderating effects of gender, age, and migration background. Results indicate that both norm deviation and intolerance are significantly associated with polarized political attitudes and behavioral intentions, with distinct patterns across demographic groups. These findings highlight the importance of tailored educational and preventive interventions that consider adolescents’ gender, age, and migration background to reduce polarization risks and promote social cohesion.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian Lutterbach & Andreas Beelmann, 2025. "Youth Norm Deviation and Intolerance: Pathways to Polarized Political Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:socinc:v13:y:2025:a:10019
    DOI: 10.17645/si.10019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tyler, Matthew & Iyengar, Shanto, 2023. "Learning to Dislike Your Opponents: Political Socialization in the Era of Polarization," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 117(1), pages 347-354, February.
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