Theoretical and conceptual approaches and results of empirical study of the phenomenon of tolerance (literature review)

In modern conditions of postmodernity, which is characterized on the one hand by the blurring of moral and cultural values of a person, and on the other hand, by an orientation towards tolerance in various areas of his life. It should be noted that in modern society, the phenomenon of tolerance is increasingly perceived as freedom from prejudice, often in order to justify deviations and impose a minority position on the majority. It is believed that a tolerant person should be able to fully accept the other. This situation is increasingly common in modern society. On the one hand, in the current situation, a person should be deprived of such personal qualities as will, critical thinking, moral understanding of what is happening. In other words, the personality must lose its own identity. The purpose of this study was to comprehend the phenomenon of tolerance from the standpoint of theoretical and conceptual approaches to its study for use in medical and sociological research of health and healthcare. In the course of the study, an analytical method was used in combination with a scientific and theoretical approach, materials from 63 literature sources were analyzed. The article attempts an etymological analysis of the problems of tolerance formation, changes in the meaning of the word in the historical aspect, presents various classifications of the concept. We came to the conclusion that a tolerant personality copes with the emerging stressful situation, it is characterized by such personality qualities as patience, endurance, mental stability. Such people are distinguished by friendliness, calmness, the ability to listen, analyze and conduct a dialogue. Quite different characteristics apply to an intolerant personality. On the contrary, they are anxious and feel a sense of threat coming from outside. They are confident in their own exclusivity, they are not ready to take responsibility, but seek to shift it to others.