Regional creativity: Cultural and socio-economic differences

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.