Can You Get Work if You Network? The Role of Networks in Job Access for French Youth

Abstract

French youth suffer from a high level of unemployment. This article evaluates how different social and individual characteristics influence job access channels.

We distinguish between school and social networks and show that workers use networks differently depending on their characteristics. Using the French Enquete Emploi, we estimate a multinomial probit model controlling for selection. Our findings show that school networks help graduates, whereas social networks are more fruitful for the low educated. Being a woman or having non-French parents reduces the probability of finding a job through either network. Public institutions appear to be particularly important for disadvantaged areas.

Keywords: social and professional networks, school networks, job access channels, youth labor market, socio-spatial indicators

JEL Classification: J21, J24, J64