So what is creativity?

        Creativity is a well debated term, which is often stereotypically applied to individuals who are particularly artistic, or have "creative" abilities in producing something outlandish and eccentric. However, creativity can be deceiving. To me, creativity optimises unique ideas and new thought processes. It enables individuals to learn, absorb and comprehend concepts in a entertaining, inspiring and provoking way. It is not just about expressing yourself in an artistic way, but being able to create something which is organic and evocative. Creativity can be first imagining something, but then producing something with it. (Klieman, 2008) 

           When asked to define creativity, many would say it is "your own ideas", this is in essence, what creativity is based on. In education, a child's own ideas should be encouraged immensely throughout their school life. Someone will gain no benefit from simply regurgitating other peers, teachers or parents ideas. Their own thought needs to be nurtured, they need to have confidence in their own opinions and being able to openly express these ideas. 

            Pychology professor, Csikszentmihayli, defines creativity within its social context. He argues that creative effort can be admired by individuals in the same domain, therefore,  respecting the aspect of creativity, as they were in the same place and time working towards the creative break through.  Csikszentmihayli believed that creativity must be recognised because it exists within the social system, therefore it must be accepted by society.

        The domain is appealing as it is garners new innovation and generates rewards. For something to become creatively attractive, it must become socially valued and accepted. A meme acts as a "unit" which embodies cultural practices, ideology and values. Societal reaction is highly important to creative breakthroughs. Therefore, the new meme must become valued by society and transmitted from person to person.  The field relates to the social conditions, the location and receptivity of the audience to the creative innovation. Economical factors also influence, concerning to access of resources and wealth. (Griffin, 2010)


       




References
Griffin, G. (2010) SlideShare. Implications Of A Systems Perspective Theory For The Study Of Creativity.  [Online]. [Accessed 1 February 2014]. Available from: http://www.slideshare.net/wggriffin/csikszentmihalyi-and-the-systems-perspective-for-the-study-of-creativity

Kleiman, P. (2008). Towards Transformation: Concepts of Creativity in Higher Education. Innovations in Education and Teaching International. 45(3).


Wider Reading
Sternberg, R. (1999). Handbook Of Creativity. New York: Cambridge University Press.