Nordic perspectives on gifted education: an introduction

This introductory chapter presents a Nordic perspective on gifted education across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, highlighting how inclusive “one school for all” policies shape the recognition and support of gifted learners. Despite strong commitments to equity, gifted students have often been overlooked because of cultural norms such as the “law of Jante” and limited policy development. The chapter argues for a balanced approach in which equity includes meeting the needs of high-ability students alongside others. It defines giftedness using established developmental and domain-specific theories (e.g. Gagné, Gardner, Subotnik, Sternberg) and situates these within Nordic educational values emphasising holistic development, ethics, and societal contribution. The chapter also outlines the structure of the book, which combines national policy analyses, empirical research, and international perspectives. Overall, it advocates for increased awareness, teacher education, and research-informed practices to ensure gifted learners can develop their potential within inclusive Nordic systems.