An Approach to Creative Work in the Global Economy of Risk and Uncertainty

Abstract

‘An Approach to Creative Work in the Global Economy of Risk and Uncertainty’, Juan A. Roche Cárcel, University of Alicante, Spain.

The enthronement of creativity as an emerging force in the field of Social Sciences, its empowerment as a nearly absolute energy, might lead us to think that it would constitute a useful response to overcome the work crisis, and even to endow this activity with prestige and take it to the place where it should really belong. The aim sought with this chapter therefore consists in confirming whether or not creative work has achieved such aims; whether it has actually pursued them; whether or not, in addition to generating fast and large profits for the creators and firms that have hired them, it has become a powerful strength both regarding social cohesion and the globalisation of economy, of society and of democracy and its values.

Seeking to develop the aforementioned aims, this chapter has been divided into four sections. The first one, meant as a general introduction, is followed by the section ‘The Crisis of Work in Late Modern Society’, where I will try to define work, to frame it within the negative perception that the West has traditionally had about it, additionally synthesising the two models by means of which our civilisation strives to provide employment, and finally summarising the characteristics of work at present. As for the section ‘Creative Work in the New Global Economy’, it focuses on creative work in the context of the global economy and, inside it, I will place the emphasis on defining what creativity and global economy are, on describing the most essential features of cities and creative industries, and how the latter are causing new inequalities. Lastly, the section ‘Final Reflections’ will offer some final reflections aimed at analysing the main traits currently assumed by creative work.

English translation by Víctor Pina, Senior Lecturer, University of Alicante, Spain.