Can social networks improve job search behaviours among low-income youth in resource-limited settings? Evidence from South Africa

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have established the importance of social networks in determining youth employment outcomes. The quality and quantity of social entities in social networks and effectively using them, have a positive influence on employment outcomes. However, limited evidence exists on the composition and role of social networks on youth employment in resource-limited countries. Our study addresses current evidence gaps by investigating the association of social networks and job search behaviours in a sample of South African youth who are neither in employment, education, or training (NEET). Our results indicate that the association of social networks with job search behaviours depends on the type of social network and job search behaviours. Having more people in youth’s social network was associated with a higher likelihood of attending a job interview but no association with job applications’ submission. Additional family members were positively associated with job interviews, as well. Age, gender, relationship status, geographic residence, formal postsecondary education, training experience, caregiver status, and mobile phone ownership were also associated with job search behaviours. Overall, our findings indicate that social networks, particularly family members, are more predictive of job interviews than job applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Youth employment
• job search
• job seeking
• social networks
• cross-sectional

Acknowledgements

This study used data that was collected as part of the Siyakha project in South Africa. The authors thank the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg. The authors also thank Siyakha’s implementing partners, their trainers, and youth trainees for their time and involvement in the project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the authors. The data are not currently publicly available. GSDI and our partners at the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg are preparing the collected data for release.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ford Foundation, the Sebenza Jobs Fund (South Africa Siyasebenza), the NYDA grant Programme, and the University of Johannesburg.