Place of Work and Place of Residence: Informal Hiring Networks and Labor Market Outcomes

35 Pages Posted: 8 Nov 2005

See all articles by Patrick J. Bayer

Patrick J. Bayer

Duke University - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Stephen L. Ross

University of Connecticut - Department of Economics

Giorgio Topa

Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: November 2005

Abstract

We use a novel dataset and research design to empirically detect the effect of social interactions among neighbors on labor market outcomes. Specifically, using Census data that characterize residential and employment locations down to the city block, we examine whether individuals residing in the same block are more likely to work together than those in nearby blocks. We find evidence of significant social interactions operating at the block level: residing on the same versus nearby blocks increases the probability of working together by over 33 percent. The results also indicate that this referral effect is stronger when individuals are similar in sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., both have children of similar ages) and when at least one individual is well attached to the labor market. These findings are robust across various specifications intended to address concerns related to sorting and reverse causation. Further, having determined the characteristics of a pair of individuals that lead to an especially strong referral effect, we provide evidence that the increased availability of neighborhood referrals has a significant impact on a wide range of labor market outcomes including employment and wages.

Keywords: Neighborhood Effects, Job Referrals, Social Interactions, Social Networks, Labor

JEL Classification: J0, J2, J3, J6, R0

Suggested Citation

Bayer, Patrick J. and Ross, Stephen L. and Topa, Giorgio, Place of Work and Place of Residence: Informal Hiring Networks and Labor Market Outcomes (November 2005). Yale University Economic Growth Center Discussion Paper No. 927, Yale Economic Applications and Policy Discussion Paper No. 8, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=844248

Patrick J. Bayer (Contact Author)

Duke University - Department of Economics ( email )

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Stephen L. Ross

University of Connecticut - Department of Economics ( email )

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Giorgio Topa

Federal Reserve Banks - Federal Reserve Bank of New York ( email )

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