Abstract :
Scholars often incorrectly categorize informal social networks as homogeneous and dismiss their
potential for exposing members to diverse opinions. Recent research in the United States, however,
shows that diversity in informal social networks exists and has a positive influence on political
tolerance. Whether exposure to a politically heterogeneous network also increases tolerance in socially
homogeneous Japan is tested here. To do this, two new Japanese national sample surveys that utilize
name-generator methodology were created and administered to a sample of respondents, as well as a
new measure of network political diversity in a multi-party system. Also, an additional type of
tolerance, moral tolerance, was tested. The conclusion is that diversity in informal social networks has
a positive influence on political and moral tolerance in Japan.
