The ‘creative thesis’ in the academic ‘anxiety machine’

Abstract This article discusses the tension between economic and intellectual demands that play into the authoring of a ‘creative thesis’. At least since the ‘cultural turn’, human geographers have voiced support for creativity in research. Although ‘creative theses’ are often discussed in relation to artistry and innovation, the economic conditions in which such research is produced are less often in focus. At present, time and funding pressures are making the ‘creative thesis’ risky for supervisors and PhD researcher. This can lead to greater restrictions, even in cases where abandoning creativity is not an option if the thesis is to fulfil its intellectual and ethical aims. Rather than simply offering a critique, I am drawing attention to possibilities of supporting ‘creative theses’ within a challenging institutional environment.