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Discussion Paper Details

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Title: Spatial versus Social Mismatch: The Strength of Weak Ties

Author(s): Yves Zenou

Publication Date: February 2011

Keyword(s): labor market, land rent, social networks and Weak ties

Programme Area(s): Labour Economics and Public Economics

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide a new mechanism based on social interactions explaining why distance to jobs can have a negative impact on workers' labor-market outcomes, especially ethnic minorities. Building on Granovetter's idea that weak ties are superior to strong ties for providing support in getting a job, we develop a model in which workers who live far away from jobs tend to have less connections to weak ties. Because of the lack of good public transportation in the US, it is costly (both in terms of time and money) to commute to business centers to meet other types of people who can provide other source of information about jobs. If distant minority workers mainly rely on their strong ties, who are more likely to be unemployed, there is then little chance of escaping unemployment. It is therefore the separation in both the social and physical space that prevents ethnic minorities finding a job.

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Bibliographic Reference

Zenou, Y. 2011. 'Spatial versus Social Mismatch: The Strength of Weak Ties'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=8244