Do labor market networks have an important spatial dimension?

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Urban Economics
Year: 2014
Volume: 79
Issue: C
Pages: 39-58

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We test for evidence of spatial, residence-based labor market networks. Turnover is lower for workers more connected to their neighbors generally and more connected to neighbors of the same race or ethnic group. Both results are consistent with networks producing better job matches, while the latter could also reflect preferences for working with neighbors of the same race or ethnicity. For earnings, we find a robust positive effect of the overall residence-based network measure, whereas we usually find a negative effect of the same-group measure, suggesting that the overall network measure reflects productivity-enhancing positive network effects, while the same-group measure may capture a non-wage amenity.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:juecon:v:79:y:2014:i:c:p:39-58
Journal Field
Urban
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25