Determinants of Creativity in Migrant versus Urban Children: A Case Study in China

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the current status and variations in creativity between migrant and urban children, exploring the influencing factors affecting creativity. Methods: We selected children from local households in Hangzhou City and non-local migrant households as participants. Their basic demographic information and creative tendencies were assessed using the Children’s Basic Situation Questionnaire and Williams’ Creativity Tendency Measurement Scale, respectively. A multi-model regression analysis was conducted to analyze factors influencing creativity. Results: This study included 1047 children. Significant differences were observed between urban and migrant children regarding age, family type, number of siblings, parental education, parental presence at home, parental guidance in learning, experience of changing schools, having their own room, and academic performance. In addition, migrant children exhibited significantly lower creativity levels compared to urban children. The multi-model regression analysis showed that migrant status, a good parent–child relationship, having parents who often guide learning, having their own room, and excellent academic performance significantly influenced children’s creativity. Conclusions: Migrant children display lower levels of creativity than their urban counterparts, with notable differences across several factors.

Keywords

• creativity
• migrant children
• urban children
• China