How Dual-Identity Processes Foster Creativity

Abstract

We propose a theoretical model explaining when and why possessing 2 inconsistent social identities can foster superior creativity. The framework describes how during cultural adaptation individuals (a) alternate their identities across contexts, (b) integrate elements of their distinct (i.e., remote and uncorrelated) identities, and, having formed cognitive and emotional links with the new group, (c) broaden their self-definition. We explain how these processes of cultural adaptation map onto 3 fundamental creative processes: (a) an ability to quickly and effortlessly switch between cognitive strategies and semantic categories, (b) an apparent ease in integrating distant and conflicting ideas, and finally, (c) the widening of one's creative idea base. Our model explains how the challenges involved in managing complex self-definitions enhance creativity, and increase potential for novel problem solutions. Understanding this dynamic brings a new perspective to debates on the value of diversity.

Balanced Cultural Identities Promote Cognitive Flexibility among Immigrant Children

“…For example, Chinese-American adults who internalized both cultures described Chinese and American culture in more complex ways than monoculturals and Chinese-Americans who emphasized one culture (Benet-Martínez et al, 2006). It further seems that the cognitive advantage of biculturals who endorse both cultures with equal strength is not necessarily limited to culture specific tasks but extends to creativity (Gocłowska and Crisp, 2014) and more complex thinking in non-cultural domains (Tadmor et al, 2009). …”

Criatividade e multiculturalismo: revisão de literatura

“…Os autores descreveram três componentes essenciais à identifi cação cultural: (a) aprofundamento, que implicaria grau de envolvimento cultural, aprendizagem e processamento de informações relacionadas ao novo papel desempenhado na cultura anfi triã; (b) duplo engajamento, que envolveria desenvolver a capacidade de ver o mundo por meio de diferentes identidades sociais, o que traria benefícios para o pensamento fl exível e criativo; e (c) distância cultural, que representaria a dimensão em que valores, costumes e características predominantes nos dois grupos divergem e, consequentemente, exigem que o indivíduo elabore soluções complexas integrativas. O efetivo pertencimento a dois grupos culturalmente distantes, vivenciado de forma aprofundada, exigiria do indivíduo desenvolvimento de maneiras inovadoras de pensar e agir, o que fomentaria o potencial criativo (Goclowska & Crisp, 2014).…”

Creativity and Multiculturalism: Literature Review

“…Goclowska and Crisp (2014) summarized research in this area and proposed a theoretical model to explain the creative gain of people who identify with two cultural groups (bicultural). The authors described three essential components of cultural identifi cation: (a) depth, which implies a degree of cultural engagement, learning, and processing of information on the new role played in the guest culture; (b) dual engagement, which involves the development of skills to see the world through different social identities, benefi tting fl exible and creative thinking; and (c) cultural distance, representing the dimension in which the predominant values, customs, and characteristics in both groups diverge, and consequently demand individuals to elaborate complex integrative solutions.…”

“…Creativity, considered as a process through which something useful and original is created (Amabile, 1996), has been largely investigated in this relation. In a theoretical article, Goclowska and Crisp (2014) listed more than 10 studies, published between 2008 and 2012, about creativity and multiculturalism.…”

“…The authors described three essential components of cultural identifi cation: (a) depth, which implies a degree of cultural engagement, learning, and processing of information on the new role played in the guest culture; (b) dual engagement, which involves the development of skills to see the world through different social identities, benefi tting fl exible and creative thinking; and (c) cultural distance, representing the dimension in which the predominant values, customs, and characteristics in both groups diverge, and consequently demand individuals to elaborate complex integrative solutions. The actual belonging to two culturally distant groups, experienced in depth, requires that individuals develop innovative ways of thinking and acting, encouraging their creative potential (Goclowska & Crisp, 2014).…”