Regional creativity: Cultural and socio-economic differences

Abstract

Creativity scholars Runco and Charles (1993) asserted that creativity not only requires originality but it also requires some fit or appropriateness. That is why culture is so influential; it defines appropriateness. In a similar vein, Westwood and Low (2003) emphasized that, “creativity takes place within, is constituted and influenced by, and has consequences for, a social context” (p. 236). With the acceleration of globalization, an examination of creativity would benefit from a more culturally sensitive approach. Towards that end, this article has a focus on examining the basic nature of creativity through the lens of cultural and geographical differences, and suggests considerations for viewing creativity in context.