Risk and Resilience in Gifted Young People from Low Socio-Economic Backgrounds

Abstract

Gifted and talented young people from low socio-economic backgrounds are consistently under-represented in gifted programmes in New Zealand schools. This chapter reports on a qualitative study that explored the lived experiences of 101 gifted New Zealand young people from low socio-economic backgrounds. An overarching question for this study was 'What is it about gifted young people from low socio-economic backgrounds who have achieved to exceptional levels, that has enabled them to do so?' The risk and resilience construct was used as a lens through which to explore their experiences across a range of contexts. These young people reflected on their perceptions of their giftedness and socio-economic circumstances, their childhoods and school experiences, and their home lives. The stories of the participants in this study indicated that there are particular risks associated with both giftedness and low socio-economic status, and contribute to ideas about how these young people might be more effectively supported to develop their potential.