The Palgrave Handbook of Social Creativity Research

This Handbook brings together an international cast of experts to explore the social nature and context of creativity studies, focusing on methodology as a key component in advancing the social study of creativity. Two decades on from the pioneering work of Alfonso Montuori and Ronald E. Purser, the authors present a timely appraisal of past and present work in social creativity studies, and look ahead to future developments within this field.

The authors collectively offer a rigorous examination of the methodological and empirical issues and techniques involved in studying social creativity. They examine the phenomenon as a form of communication and interaction within collaborative relationships; contending that creativity happens not within a vacuum but instead from a nexus of personal, social and contextual influences.

This comprehensive work is organized in three parts, focusing first on the various methodological approaches applicable to the social in creativity studies. It secondly turns to empirical findings and approaches relating to the social nature of creativity. In the book’s final part, the authors offer reflections on the state of social research into creativity, pinpointing areas requiring further methodological scrutiny and empirical verification, and areas that may inspire further theoretical or applied work. Combining classic ideas with cutting-edge, emerging methods, this work provides a vital methodological ’toolbox’ for investigators within social creativity.

Izabela Lebuda is an educator and psychologist, Assistant Professor of the Psychology of Creativity Lab at the University of Wroclaw, Poland and collaborates with the Quality of Life Research Centre at Claremont Graduate University, USA. Her scientific research focuses on the determinants of creative development and achievements.

Vlad Petre Glăveanu is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology and Counselling as well as Director of the Webster Center for Creativity and Innovation (WCCI) at Webster University Geneva, Switzerland, and Associate Professor II at the University of Bergen, Norway. He has written extensively on creativity from social, cultural, developmental, critical and political perspectives. His current work develops a sociocultural theory of the possible in mind and society.