Creativity in an Indigenous Afro-Arab Islamic Culture: The Case of Sudan

The present study attempted to appraise creativity in the indigenous Sudanese culture, which is formed by a complex integration and interaction of various social and cultural factors, mainly of African, Arab, and Islamic origin. More specifically, the study investigated the concept of creativity in a conformist culture, the problem of using Western tests and the problem of modernization. Also it attempted to find answers to some crucial questions: What is the scope available for creative expression in a tight sociocultural system? How could creativity coexist with conformity? What form of creativity can exist in the indigenous sociocultural system?     

Gender and Creativity In An Afro-Arab Islamic Culture: The Case of Sudan

This study investigated the differences between males and females in creativity among a Sudanese sample of 149 males and 151 females; with ages between 15–20 years. Males and females performed about equal in one creativity test. Males performed significantly better than females on two of four creativity tests. However, females performed significantly better on the fourth test. The study showed no significant interaction between gender and education. The differences between males and females are thought to be related to the different opportunities for freedom and independence in the indigenous Sudanese culture which affect the promotion of creative thinking. These opportunities depend on the level of education as well as the degree of authoritarianism and conformity in the sociocultural system.     

Traditional Education and Creativity in an Afro-Arab. Islamic Culture: The Case of Sudan

This study investigated the differing effect upon creativity of traditional and modern education in the Sudan. The salient characteristics of the two types are presented, with a brief discussion of their likely effects. Four creativity tests, suitably modified for local conditions, were administered to 264 male and female students, with an age range of 15–20 years. The results indicated that the group receiving modern education performed significantly better than the traditionally educated group on two of the four creativity tests, but with equal performance on one test. The traditionally educated group performed significantly better on the fourth test. The discussion suggests there are a number of factors, both sociocultural and methodological, which may account for these findings.