Migration, Mobility and the Creative Class

Migration, Mobility and the Creative Class challenges contemporary conceptions of the mobility of the creative worker. Exploring the differences between a range of historical, political, and social contexts, this forward-thinking book contests the validity and logic of policymakers’ strategies to attract the creative class, and emphasises the need for a reassessment of the plans employed for local and regional development.

Drawing on detailed biographical life-course information obtained through in-depth interviews with creative workers, this book refutes established ideas that creative workers are a unique, autonomous and highly mobile group. Documenting empirical findings, it highlights how the migration and occupation patterns of creative workers are intimately connected with their early family experiences and to their social class. Ultimately, this innovative book recommends that policy should redirect its focus away from migration and towards creating places with good schools, affordable housing, sustainable jobs and strong connections across communities.

Pairing in-depth case studies with established theoretical grounding, this book will be a fascinating read for academics, researchers and students specialising in economic geography, regional economics, migration and human geography. Its unique insights and practical policy recommendations will also be of benefit to those working in town planning, regional policy development and the creative industries.

Ellen Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Digital Business, Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, Bristol, Don J. Webber, Professor of Managerial Economics, Sheffield University Management School, The University of Sheffield and Glenn Parry, Professor of Digital Transformation, Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, UK