"Only a Genius Could Pass This Test": Bedouin Parents' Constructions of Giftedness

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Abstract

The current study explored how Bedouin minority parents construct and interpret the concept of giftedness. The Bedouin population of the Negev is considered the most disadvantaged group in terms of educational outcomes and is extremely underrepresented in gifted education programs.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Bedouin parents to children aged 8-12 years. Interview data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.
We identified three main themes in participants' narratives of giftedness: (1) giftedness as an inborn, stable factor, (2) giftedness as an outcome of intensive and expensive parental investment, and (3) non- giftedness as a proper development. Understanding parents' construction of giftedness may serve as a potential pathway to remove barriers and include diverse students in gifted education programs.

Authors

• Ortal Slobodin, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

• Miada Argan, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

• Halleli Pinson, Ben Gurion University of the Negev