Social Networks and the Dynamics of Labour Market Outcomes: Evidence from Refugees Resettled in the U.S.

S-Tier
Journal: Review of Economic Studies
Year: 2012
Volume: 79
Issue: 1
Pages: 128-161

Score contribution per author:

8.043 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper examines the dynamic implications of social networks for the labour market outcomes of refugees resettled in the U.S. A theoretical model of job information transmission shows that the relationship between social network size and labour market outcomes is heterogeneous and depends on the vintage of network members: an increase in network size can negatively impact some cohorts in a network while benefiting others. To test this prediction, I use new data on political refugees resettled in the U.S. and exploit the fact that these refugees are distributed across cities by a resettlement agency, precluding individuals from sorting. The results indicate that an increase in the number of social network members resettled in the same year or one year prior to a new arrival leads to a deterioration of outcomes, while a greater number of tenured network members improves the probability of employment and raises the hourly wage. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:restud:v:79:y:2012:i:1:p:128-161
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-24