engleski

Gaining And Loosing Social Capital During Transition From College To Work: One-Year Follow-Up Of (Un)Employed Graduates

Main Abstract Content: Purpose. The study investigates variations of individual social capital and its role in the job search process during a one-year period of transition from college to work. Individual social capital was conceptualized as a resource that the person can realize through social relations. Design/Methodology. The key variables – size of network, social status of acquaintances and strength of ties – were measured in a three-wave longitudinal study. 303 graduates were surveyed immediately after graduation and followed up six months and one year later when 138 (45%) of them were employed and 165 (65%) still unemployed. Results. The network characteristics differentiate subjects who found a job: Compared to unemployed graduates, employed graduates reported having larger social networks, with stronger ties and social connections of a higher status immediately after graduation. In addition, the groups showed different trends in individual social capital during the one year period: Employed individuals significantly increased the size of their network, as well as the strength of ties, while unemployed individuals reported a decrease in the social status of acquaintances. Limitations. The study used self-reported measures and was conducted with a convenience sample, limiting the generalizability of findings. Research/Practical Implications. As quality and quantity of social contacts relate to a successful job search, the process of gaining and losing social capital may be crucial for the understanding of differences in career success among people of comparable human capital characteristics. Originality/Value. The study integrates the latent deprivation model with conservation of resources theory in explaining the individual meaning of unemployment.

COR theory, individual social capital, young job seekers, unemployment

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