Individual Level Examination of Postmaterialism in the U.S.: Political Tolerance,Racial Attitudes,Environmentalism,-aand Participatory Norms

Abstract

Inglehart's postmaterialism thesis is a theory of individual value change, yet tests of the postmaterialism thesis have occurred primarily on the macro level. Relatively little attention has been devoted to whether the anticipated changes toward a more economically secure, tolerant, participatory, environmentally conscious, and egalitarian culture are manifested in the values of individuals in society. This research explores the extent to which support for postmaterialist values is relevant and meaningful on the micro-level. This analysis questions what the postmaterialist-materialist index measures, as individual level evidence does not support many of Inglehart's macro-level claims. Though the postmaterialist-materialist classification shows somewhat distinct attitudes on issues of egalitarianism, political ideology, partisanship, and political efficacy, postmaterialists and materialists do not possess any meaningful attitudinal distinctions on political tolerance and civil liberties, racial attitudes, environmentalism, political knowledge, political interest, and political involvement. These findings contradict many of Inglehart's macro-level assertions.