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Networks of Opportunity - Social Capital Quality and Job Search Preferences: A Quantitative Study of Second-Generation Immigrants in Sweden

Bui, Hong Giang LU (2025) UTVK03 20251
Sociology
Abstract
Research on social capital has highlighted its significance for labor market integration, particularly regarding informal job search strategies. However, how do second-generation immigrants perceive and make use of social capital and its resources in Sweden's labor market? This thesis examines the relationship between the quality of social capital, measured by the occupational status of respondents' contacts, and job search method preferences among second-generation immigrants in Sweden. The study processes in a quantitative method, drawing from classical theories of social capital by Bourdieu (1986), Granovetter (1995), and Lin (2001). The study investigates whether higher-status contacts influence the likelihood of preferring informal... (More)
Research on social capital has highlighted its significance for labor market integration, particularly regarding informal job search strategies. However, how do second-generation immigrants perceive and make use of social capital and its resources in Sweden's labor market? This thesis examines the relationship between the quality of social capital, measured by the occupational status of respondents' contacts, and job search method preferences among second-generation immigrants in Sweden. The study processes in a quantitative method, drawing from classical theories of social capital by Bourdieu (1986), Granovetter (1995), and Lin (2001). The study investigates whether higher-status contacts influence the likelihood of preferring informal job search methods over formal channels. The study applies The Mann-Whitney and binary logistic regression to conduct analysis, with data from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) 2017, integrating socioeconomic factors, parental origin, and generalized trust as moderating variables. Results reveal no significant relationship between the quality of social capital and preferences for job search methods, suggesting the presence of other structural or cultural factors influencing job search preferences. The findings highlight complexities within social capital theory when applied to second-generation immigrants, prompting a reconsideration of how social capital is conceptualized and operationalized in the context of Sweden's unique welfare and labor market dynamics. (Less)
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author
Bui, Hong Giang LU
supervisor
organization
course
UTVK03 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Social Capital, Social Network Quality, Informal and Formal Job Search, Labour Market Access, Second-Generation Immigrants, Sweden
language
English
id
9193996
date added to LUP
2025-06-23 21:46:47
date last changed
2025-06-23 21:46:47
@misc{9193996,
  abstract     = {{Research on social capital has highlighted its significance for labor market integration, particularly regarding informal job search strategies. However, how do second-generation immigrants perceive and make use of social capital and its resources in Sweden's labor market? This thesis examines the relationship between the quality of social capital, measured by the occupational status of respondents' contacts, and job search method preferences among second-generation immigrants in Sweden. The study processes in a quantitative method, drawing from classical theories of social capital by Bourdieu (1986), Granovetter (1995), and Lin (2001). The study investigates whether higher-status contacts influence the likelihood of preferring informal job search methods over formal channels. The study applies The Mann-Whitney and binary logistic regression to conduct analysis, with data from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) 2017, integrating socioeconomic factors, parental origin, and generalized trust as moderating variables. Results reveal no significant relationship between the quality of social capital and preferences for job search methods, suggesting the presence of other structural or cultural factors influencing job search preferences. The findings highlight complexities within social capital theory when applied to second-generation immigrants, prompting a reconsideration of how social capital is conceptualized and operationalized in the context of Sweden's unique welfare and labor market dynamics.}},
  author       = {{Bui, Hong Giang}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Networks of Opportunity - Social Capital Quality and Job Search Preferences: A Quantitative Study of Second-Generation Immigrants in Sweden}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}