The Effect of Economic Capital on Social Tolerance through Mediation of Social Capital and Cultural Capital among Citizens of Isfahan Province

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Full professor and faculty member, Islamic Azad University, Qom Branch. Iran

2 Assistant Professor and Faculty Member, Islamic Azad University, Qom Branch, Iran

3 PhD student, Sociology of Economics and Development, Islamic Azad University, Qom Branch. Iran

Abstract

Social tolerance, as a basis for the cohesion and sustainable development of societies, requires acceptance of differences and peaceful coexistence. This study examined the effect of economic capital on social tolerance and the mediating role of social and cultural capital in Isfahan province. Given the cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity of this province, understanding the factors affecting social tolerance is important for reducing conflicts and strengthening social solidarity. The study was conducted with a quantitative approach and descriptive-correlation method. The statistical population included citizens over 18 years of age, and a sample of 384 people was selected using the Cochran formula using a multi-stage cluster method. The data were analyzed with SPSS and AMOS software, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that economic capital has a positive and significant effect (0.46) on social tolerance. Social and cultural capital also play an important role as mediators. Economic capital indirectly affects social tolerance by strengthening social (0.47) and cultural (0.51) capital. The coefficients of the indirect effect through social and cultural capital were 0.23 and 0.24, respectively, which confirmed the importance of mediation of these variables. The fit indices of the model showed its good fit. Increasing economic capital strengthens social tolerance by improving living conditions, reducing inequalities, and creating opportunities for social interaction and access to cultural resources. To promote social tolerance in Isfahan, inclusive economic development policies, strengthening social networks, and increasing access to cultural resources are essential.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Applied Sociology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 February 2026

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 21 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 21 February 2026
  • Publish Date: 21 February 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics