Social networks, role models, peer effects, and aspirations

Anandi Mani and Emma Riley

No wp-2019-120, WIDER Working Paper Series from World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER)

Abstract: We review the literature on pathways through which social networks may influence social mobility in developing countries. We find that social networks support members in tangible ways—via access to opportunities for migration, credit, trading relationships, information on jobs, and new technologies—as well as in intangible ways, such as shaping their beliefs, hopes, and aspirations, through role models and peers. Nevertheless, networks can disadvantage non-members, typically the poor and marginalized.

Keywords: Behavioral economics; Cultural economics; Geographic labour mobility; Human resources; Migration; Social networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-mig, nep-net, nep-soc and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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