MACMILLAN The Palgrave Handbook of Social Creativity Research (Palgrave Studies in Creativity and Culture)

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. Review “This Handbook is the most comprehensive international coverage of the newest tendencies in research on creativity from the perspective of its social regulation. While the notion of  creativity carries with it a positive value in everyday speech, its social role is very complex―it can be appreciated, or declaratively highlighted, or even suppressed in those domains that are inherently competing with the holders of social power in a society.  This Handbook provides the readers with a cross section of all the complexity of creativity and of the methodologies of its investigation, and is the basic resource for anybody who wants to understand how contemporary social sciences try to make sense of this exciting but complicated knowledge domain.” (Jaan Valsiner, Professor of Cultural Psychology, Aalborg University) “Creativity does not happen in a vacuum. The work of even the most isolated and recluse of creators is influenced at every turn by historical, cultural, subcultural, environmental and interpersonal factors. And yet very few creativity researchers and theorists have chosen to move beyond an almost exclusive focus on the individual. Until now. At long last, this research lens is broadening and insight into the social underpinnings of creativity is blossoming. This book offers the first comprehensive and international investigation of the new questions and research methodologies being explored. Well-known, established researchers join forces with more junior colleagues to offer highly readable and exciting windows into the much-needed study of the social context of creativity.” (Professor Beth A. Hennessey, Professor of Psychology, Wellesley College, USA) From the Back Cover 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