Sociocultural factors that affect the identification and development of talent in children and adolescents
European Journal of Training and Development
ISSN: 2046-9012
Article publication date: 22 September 2022
Issue publication date: 10 April 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to inform readers about the nature of talent development prior to post-secondary education; describe the obstacles that individuals face because of poverty, racism or geography; and recommend asset-based approaches that can enable more individuals to be prepared to make significant contributions to society within their domain of talent.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used was to review research from the fields of education and psychology about talent in varied domains of sport, academics and the arts, as it relates to key components (domain pathways, opportunities and psychosocial skills) of the talent development megamodel proposed by Subotnik et al. (2011).
Findings
Findings include a delineation of the challenges that many nations face in cultivating talent among its young citizens particularly related to their socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity and geography. Findings include recommendations for new approaches to identification; a substantial increase in school and community-based, domain-specific opportunities; teacher training; and deliberate cultivation of psychosocial skills that can support achievement.
Originality/value
This paper emphasizes the importance of focusing efforts on talent development at earlier stages, which is critical to creating pathways for marginalized youths to maximize their potential and contributions to the workplace.
Keywords
Citation
Olszewski-Kubilius, P., Subotnik, R.F. and Worrell, F.C. (2023), "Sociocultural factors that affect the identification and development of talent in children and adolescents", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 47 No. 3/4, pp. 404-420. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-01-2022-0003
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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