Germs, Social Networks and Growth

Laura Veldkamp and Alessandra Fogli

No 13312, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: Does the pattern of social connections between individuals matter for macroeconomic outcomes? If so, where do these differences come from and how large are their effects? Using network analysis tools, we explore how different social network structures affect technology diffusion and thereby a country’s rate of growth. The correlation between high-diffusion networks and income is strongly positive. But when we use a model to isolate the effect of a change in social networks, the effect can be positive, negative, or zero. The reason is that networks diffuse ideas and disease. Low-diffusion networks have evolved in countries where disease is prevalent because limited connectivity protects residents from epidemics. But a low-diffusion network in a low-disease environment needlessly compromises the diffusion of good ideas. In general, social networks have evolved to fit their economic and epidemiological environment. Trying to change networks in one country to mimic those in a higher-income country may well be counterproductive.

Keywords: Growth; Development; Technology diffusion; Economic networks; Social Networks; Pathogens; Disease (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E02 I1 O1 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ict, nep-mac, nep-pay, nep-soc and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Germs, Social Networks, and Growth (2021)
Working Paper: Germs, Social Networks, and Growth (2018)
Working Paper: Germs, Social Networks and Growth (2014)
Working Paper: Germs, Social Networks and Growth (2012)
Working Paper: Germs, Social Networks and Growth (2012)
Working Paper: Germs, Social Networks, and Growth (2012)
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