The Creative Class

According to Richard Florida, the Creative class is an economic class in which the individuals do not have property necessarily, but what they physically own is what they use in their head; their creativity. This class is based purely on economics. Richard Florida makes it known that "it is not an economic class in terms of the ownership of property, capital, or the means of production." The Creative Class is not yet seen as part of the working class, but as one class that is on the rise in America.
The first component of the Creative Class is the Super-Creative Core. It includes careers such as scientists, professors, poets, artists, entertainers, actors, analysts, designers, and architects. The second component of the Creative Class is creative professionals "who work in a wide range of knowledge-intensive industries." These include but are not limited to high-tech sectors, financial services, the legal and health care professions, and business management. These two categories of the Creative Class differ in that the Super-Creative Core component is "less professional" than the creative professionals component. For example, in many of the careers in the Super-Creative Core, college degrees are optional, while most in the creative professionals component require college degrees at a minimum. The categories of the Creative class are similar in that they both are "earned by a strenuous effort of discovery in which curiosity and originality are indispensable." You cannot be born into the Creative Class, one must work toward becoming a member.
Values of the Creative Class include individuality, meritocracy, and diversity and openness. These values are interesting, because in America years ago, one may not think of these values to be so important. Workers are finding themselves wanting more individuality, rather than working as a union or an institution. Also, the Creative Class favors hard work, challenge, and stimulation. Workers are now putting forth the effort not only to make money to survive, but also to get ahead because they are good at what they do. Openness is a huge value in today's society simply because change is occuring more frequently nowadays. Employees strive to be able to pack up and move without the worry or unknowing of losing their career. The values of the Creative Class enable workers to be more free and unique in today's society.