Giftedness in Russia: The Phenomenon from the Sociological Surveys Angle

The article presents findings of a large-scale complex sociological study carried out by the Public Opinion Foundation on commission from the Public Chamber. The findings show the experts, parents, and general population perception of the phenomenon of giftedness. In particular, parents’ and general population attitudes were found to be rigid concerning markers of giftedness, its age parameters, as well as working methods with the gifted people. The results also indicate that willingness to consider oneself as a gifted person depends on his/her income, education and place of residence. The more prosperous and better educated respondents are, the more likely they will consider themselves and their children to be gifted. The author demonstrates that social experience significantly influences awareness, attitudes and intentions of the respondents. The giftedness is described as a multidimensional social phenomenon which is connected not only with individual aptitudes but also with a complex chain of social factors (such as parents’ social status, possibilities, etc.). It was revealed also that effectiveness of the governmental program on promoting the development of giftedness is seen as very low. In respondents’ view, it is solely the family that really helps talented people to express themselves today.