Tolerance in psychology is exactly the same concept that is widespread in sociology. But in general, it must be said that this term contains a lot of meanings, and it is not interpreted unambiguously by specialists in various fields. Although the definitions are similar, this cannot be denied.
Now it is worth considering this term in the context of interpersonal relations, and also try to touch on the most important aspects relating to this topic.
Definition
Tolerance in psychology is a concept that encompasses tolerance for other customs, behavior, lifestyle, and worldview. It is not tantamount to indifference, as some might think. Tolerance in this case is manifested in a person's conscious decision not to belittle the views and all of the above, if they diverge from those that he adheres to.
To be tolerant does not mean changing your worldview, abandoning it in favor of someone else's. This quality is manifested in the absence of a person’s negative attitude towards people who are different from him. It can be compared with the concept of positive neutrality.
A tolerant person simply allows other people to live in accordance with their own worldview - just like they do to him.
Personality characteristic
Continuing to study a given topic, it should be noted that tolerance in psychology is also a sign of the mind. People who are characterized by this quality are distinguished by high intelligence, because they manage to evaluate phenomena, events and other personalities without bias, despite the fact that they do not correspond to their views.
Such persons can note both positive and negative traits, focusing only on the objective side, not taking into account personal interests.
Tolerance in psychology is also a sign of human culture. one who respects other people's beliefs and opinions clearly has a developed inner world.
Politics
It was briefly described above about what is hidden behind the concept of tolerance in psychology. This is a fairly simple definition, and now, having figured it out, you need to study the main types of this quality. There are many of them, but we will only talk about the main ones.
Political tolerance is the tolerant attitude of opponents to the differences of ideological views that always exist and will be between them. It can also be called the most important feature of liberal democratic systems, the purpose of which is to ensure the realization of civil rights. Namely, freedom of association and expression.
In this context, the concept is difficult to consider, since it relates not only to politics, but also to the state and civil society.
Gender differences
Politics is a complex topic, but one that concerns gender inequality has always been relevant. Although it must be admitted that now, in the 21st century, it is no longer so vital.
But gender prejudices and stereotypes still exist. They determine the status characteristics of women and men, consolidating the dominant position of the latter and discriminating against the former. There is clearly a negative bias that strongly distorts reality. Due to stereotypes, prejudices become very vivid emotional components.
You can discuss this topic for a long time. But stop is on the definition. Gender tolerance is a quality manifested in an unbiased attitude towards people of a different sex, and also in the inadmissibility of attributing to a person shortcomings taken “from the air” just because he is a man or a woman. People who are inherent in it do not have ideas about the superiority of someone over someone. They judge others not by gender, but by personality.
Age
This criterion is more relevant than gender. It is often taken into account in the psychology and pedagogy of tolerance.
What can I say? Very often, people are biased towards the a priori “flaws” of others. For example, the elderly do not like because of their inability to understand modern technology and youth, or the aggression experienced by adolescents due to their lack of any knowledge or experience.
This is also called ageism - age discrimination. It manifests itself in a willingness to adequately perceive only those people who meet any pre-established criteria. Let's say only communicate with peers, not enter into a relationship with a girl who is older, etc.
Tolerance, respectively, manifests itself in a respectful attitude towards people of different age categories. A person with this quality can listen to a 13-year-old teenager, if he says reasonable things. A limited person will dismiss it, believing that “adults know better”, and will soon follow the advice of an underdeveloped peer.
Physiology
Continuing to list the types of tolerance in psychology, it is necessary to note this criterion. He is one of the most unfortunate.
The lack of physiological tolerance is manifested in disrespectful, mocking, contemptuous attitude towards the disabled, sick people, as well as inferior persons or those who have external shortcomings.
It is sad. Non-tolerant people not only offend those who are unlucky in something (often not even their fault) - they also do not recognize their freedoms and rights.
Orientation
Another urgent aspect that needs to be paid attention, since we are talking about social psychology and tolerance. Times go by, and people do not change - and in the 21st century, many are interested in who loves whom and who shares the bed with.
Individuals who choose representatives of their own sex as a partner regularly have to face the characteristic of “non-traditional orientation”. What does it mean? Not one that is accepted in society - associated with a retreat, with the rejection of traditions.
But is it appropriate to say so in this context? After all, what is tradition? These are rituals and habits - that is transmitted from one generation to another. How can feelings that are absolutely different for all people be inherited? After all, we are talking about something higher - internal feelings, sensuality, spirituality.
You can also talk about this for a long time. And in this case, tolerance is manifested in the fact that it does not matter to a person with whom this or that individual is in a relationship - he perceives him as a person, focusing on personal qualities that are important in a particular area (personal, family, work, etc.) .), and not on whom he prefers.
Ethnicity
The next aspect that is important to mention. In psychology, interethnic tolerance is not of such interest as its opposite, which manifests itself in racism, xenophobia, ethnocentrism and nationalism. Indeed, in this case it is not just hatred (which, however, is already enough, since it is a destructive feeling). All of the above leads to human suffering, large-scale social conflicts and troubles.
It has been proven that it is in this ethnic racial discrimination, which is based on signs of skin color, national origin or race, intolerance is most clearly expressed.
Surprisingly, not all people are able to understand and accept the dissimilarity, differences and peculiar otherness of others. They cannot realize that there is a different mentality, different traditions and stereotypes of behavior, a different culture.
And this is wild. Yes, ethnic groups are different, but we all relate to one species - to the human, sharing a single planet Earth. So everyone, no matter how he looks, has the right to freedom and carefree life without infringement.
Frustration concept
Now we will talk about something else. If everything is more or less clear with the previous types, then frustration tolerance is a unique concept in psychology. And it is worth sorting it out.
Frustration is such a mental state in which a person abides when his desires do not correspond to his possibilities. It also occurs after stress, can be identified with a breakdown of ideas and futile expectations.
What is frustration tolerance? This is a concept in psychology that denotes the stability of an individual's psyche to the effects of unfavorable, even heavy, stimuli on him. We can also say that the so-called ability to emotionally and psychologically withstand life's difficulties without mental shifts and disruptions.
The most “healthy” state is when a person, despite the frustrations acting on him, thinks reasonably and calmly, perceiving what is happening as a life lesson, without complaining about himself and others.
Sometimes tolerance manifests itself in a different way. A person can simply restrain himself so as not to commit impulsive unwanted reactions. Or simply "disguise" indifference, hiding behind him strong emotions, tearing it apart from the inside into pieces. But such conditions are not considered healthy.
Other aspects of the topic
All of the above is just a brief description of the concept of tolerance in psychology. Books and dissertations are written on this subject - of course, it can be discussed for a long time. Because in psychology, tolerance is a very deep definition. Here are some more of its other species not previously mentioned:
- Problem tolerance.
- Natural.
- Natural.
- Moral.
- Educational.
- Geographical.
- Interclass.
- Marginalized.
- Pedagogical.
Intolerance can manifest itself in relation to anyone - to the poor or homeless, to residents of megalopolises or villages, to rich or poor, to illiterate or highly educated. Everyone deserves an understanding.
There are still levels of tolerance! There are five of them - civilizational, international, ethnic, social and individual.
The approach to tolerance can also be different - diversification, existentially-humanistic, dialogical, personal or facilitative.
There are a lot of nuances that the topic under discussion contains. But any conversation about tolerance always comes down to one conclusion. And it follows from the answer to a very popular question.
Who needs tolerance and why?
The question is very simple, but some are still asking them. However, in every psychology devoted to tolerance, the training manual and book have an answer to it, so that they can complete the topic under discussion.
Many negatively refer to this term and phenomenon. A considerable number of people claim that it came to us from the West. And many also believe that tolerance hides moral nihilism and indifference to religious truths, vices and values ​​that have been formed in society for decades.
But people just made things complicated again. The concept of tolerance in psychology does not carry a hidden meaning. It's simple - if we do not learn to accept the fact that people are different, and they have the right to be different from others, then we will just be in a state of war all the time.
This enmity is meaningless and, if you think logically, baseless. It just spoils the subjective perception and unwillingness of many people to restrain it. And then everything is simple - a similar negative unites and creates hatred. But this is the most destructive feeling of all existing. And it destroys first of all the one who tests it, and not those to whom it is directed.