Engender tolerance and participation in polarized gender issues: the mediating role of discussion in cross-cutting exposure

ABSTRACT This study revisited the deliberation-participation paradox by analyzing the relationship between exposure and both deliberative tolerance and civic participation in the context of gender equality among women and men. Survey data collected from Chinese adults revealed no significant direct effects from cross-cutting exposure to either deliberative tolerance or civic participation. However, a negative mediating effect through perceived polarization and a positive mediating effect through cross-cutting discussion were observed. Additionally, the results confirmed that perceived incivility plays a moderating role, attenuating the beneficial effects of cross-cutting exposure and strengthening the negative indirect effects. These findings suggest differential effects between cross-cutting exposure and cross-cutting discussion. The results also underscore the importance of building a civil and depolarized communication environment to encourage deliberation and participation in China.