Large-Scale Contextual Influences on Creativity: Evolving Academic Disciplines and Global Value Systems

Abstract

Creative thoughts and actions are shaped by large-scale contextual influences, such as the nature of academic disciplines and the value systems of nations. Some of Torrance's cogent insights about creativity serve as lenses for the analysis of the structure and dynamics of several academic disciplines, as well as global transitions in value systems. The analyses suggest that fractured–porous and unified–insular academic disciplines may exert very different influences on the creativity of scholars and practitioners. In addition, widespread transitions from modern–materialist to postmodern–postmaterialist value systems may have profound influences on the creativity of citizens and policymakers in various nations.